- Many supplements are derived from natural products, but "natural" does not necessarily mean "safe."
- Government regulations on supplements are more relaxed than prescription and over-the-counter drugs.
- Some supplements are of poor quality and contain impurities such as drugs, chemicals, and metals. Supplement research has found significant differences between the labels on some supplements and what's in the bottle.
- Supplements may interact with other supplement products and medications, or may have adverse side effects.
- Approximately 4,600 children are sent to emergency rooms each year due to supplementation. Most people take vitamin and mineral products when their parents aren't looking. Supplements do not require child-resistant packaging.
- Some homeopathic products (called "poisons" or "homeopathic vaccines") are promoted in part as alternatives to traditional vaccinations but apparently protect children from disease, but this is not the case. Follow the vaccination recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to protect children from vaccine-preventable diseases. Vaccinating children helps protect the health of communities and children.
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Here are some other safety concerns about supplements often given to children.
- St. John's wort has been shown to interact with many medications, including antidepressants, oral contraceptives, and medications to treat seizures and cancer.
- Melatonin, a hormone used as a sleep aid, appears to be safe in the short term, but its long-term effects are unknown.
- Giving probiotics to children does not appear to be dangerous, but there is no conclusive evidence, especially long-term. Probiotics should not be used in critically ill patients.
- Omega 3 supplements can cause minor stomach problems such as burping, digestive disorders, and diarrhea.
- The American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend that healthy children and adolescents take multivitamins when eating a variety of foods. Vitamins are best obtained from the diet.
- Ingredients not listed on the label are becoming increasingly problematic in products promoting strength (bodybuilding). It is known that some muscle gainers marketed as supplements contain steroids and steroid-like substances. These products can cause severe liver damage, stroke, kidney failure and other serious symptoms.
- Supplements marketed for rapid weight loss, such as acai berry and prickly pear, do not help maintain weight loss over time and may cause side effects. Some supplements contain large amounts of caffeine, and some herbs such as guarana also contain caffeine, but these supplements can cause life-threatening changes in heart rate. Have sex. The FDA has also found that weight loss products contain dangerous prescription drugs.
- Tell your health care provider about the benefits and potential risks of any complementary therapies you are considering or have used to manage your child's health. Encourage adolescents to consult their health care provider.
10 Things You Should Know About Supplement Use in Children and Teens
