If you are the parent of a premature baby, you may be familiar with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). It’s a devastating and potentially fatal intestinal infection that affects premature infants. NEC develops when the intestine’s lining becomes inflamed and begins to die, causing serious damage to the bowel.
Breast milk is the only and the best nutrition for all babies, especially premature (infant) groups. In some cases, mothers may be unable to produce enough milk or have health complications that restrict them from breastfeeding. In such cases, they may use infant formula to feed their babies.
However, not all infant formulas are the same, and some may contain hidden ingredients that could harm your baby’s health. One of these ingredients is carrageenan, a commonly used food additive that can lead to NEC in babies.
In this blog, we will shed light on how this seemingly harmless substance ended up being lethal for babies.
What is Carrageenan and It’s Use in Baby Formula
Carrageenan is a natural polysaccharide derived from red algae and processed into various forms for use in the food industry. Carrageenan serves as a stabilizer, thickener, and emulsifier. It is used in some baby formulas to improve the shelf life, texture, and consistency.
The FDA has accepted carrageenan as a safe food additive. The European Food Safety Authority and WHO have also declared it generally recognized as safe (GRAS). However, recent studies have expressed concern about ‘research bias,’ stating carrageenan’s potential health effects, particularly on infants and children.
Given the mounting evidence linking carrageenan to NEC, some babies have developed NEC after being fed carrageenan-containing formula. Their parents have sued formula manufacturers Mead Johnson and Abbott Laboratories under the NEC baby formula lawsuit.
Natural Alternatives for Infant Nutrition
While seeking alternatives to carrageenan-containing formulas, look for options that prioritize digestive health and mimic natural breast milk. Let’s learn guidelines on what to look for in carrageenan-free formulas:
- Formulas with natural fats: Look for formulas that use plant-derived fats matching the structure of fat molecules in breast milk. Examples include high SN-2 palmitate (“OPO fats”).
- Organic options: Often made without synthetic additives, organic formulas can be a good starting point.
- Hydrolyzed protein formulas: These formulas contain proteins that are broken down into bits, easier for babies to digest. They’re often recommended for infants with allergies or sensitivities and might be less likely to contain unnecessary fillers.
- Soy-based choices: In cases where a dairy-free option is necessary, soy-based formulas are an alternative. However, it’s important to select a brand that focuses on non-GMO, organic soy to avoid potential irritants or additives.
- Lactose-based sweeteners: Look for options that use lactose as the primary sweetener instead of plant-based sucrose or corn syrup solids. These formulas tend to adhere more closely to the composition of breast milk.
The Ill-Effects of Carrageenan Carrageenan is indigestible by humans and passes through the gastrointestinal tract intact.
-Carrageenan has been shown to interact with intestinal cells, causing inflammation, ulceration, and bleeding.
-The element elicits an immune response and activates inflammatory pathways, increasing the production of cytokines, histamine, and reactive oxygen species. These inflammatory mediators can damage the intestinal barrier and increase gut permeability. It further allows bacteria and toxins into the bloodstream, causing infection.
-Ingesting it may disrupt the normal functioning of the intestinal microbiota. They are bacteria that play critical roles in digestion, immunity, and metabolism, along with colonizing the gut.
-It can alter the microbiota’s composition and diversity while increasing the growth of harmful ones. –
-Carrageenan can also affect the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which are microbiota metabolites with anti-inflammatory and gut-protective properties.
The NEC Lawsuit: What You Should Know
According to TorHoerman Law, these lawsuits allege that manufacturers failed to warn customers about the dangers of carrageenan. It is also claimed that they knowingly marketed and sold defective and dangerous products that harmed babies. The lawsuits seek compensation for medical expenses and pain suffered. They also cover the emotional distress endured by parents and children due to NEC.
The baby formula lawsuit (NEC) is currently pending in several courts across the country. Some are consolidated into multidistrict litigation in the District Court for the Southern District of Illinois. It seeks to streamline the litigation process while avoiding inconsistent rulings and duplicative efforts.
Wrapping up, NEC is a devastating condition that affects many premature babies and their families. The exact cause of NEC is unknown. However, recent studies suggest that carrageenan, a hidden ingredient in some baby formulas, may contribute to the onset of NEC.
If your premature baby developed NEC from carrageenan, you have the legal right to join the NEC lawsuit. Get in touch with an experienced legal professional for a case review to see if you have a valid baby formula lawsuit.
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