# NEC baby formula: what parents should know

> Why cow's milk-based formula fed to premature infants has been linked to necrotizing enterocolitis.

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**Last updated:** 2026-06-11

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a devastating intestinal disease that primarily affects premature infants. Research has linked cow's milk-based formula products to an increased risk of NEC in preterm babies.

Manufacturers like Abbott (Similac) and Mead Johnson (Enfamil) face lawsuits alleging they failed to warn neonatologists and parents that their cow's milk fortifiers and formulas raise NEC risk compared to human milk alternatives.

If your premature infant was diagnosed with NEC in the NICU after receiving cow's milk-based formula, consult a qualified attorney about potential claims and evidence preservation.

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*Educational guide from DrugsMonitor.com. Not legal advice.*