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Diet Supplements Dangerous for Kids

By Henry J. Fishman, M.D.
ConsumerAffairs.com

April 21, 2006

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Diet supplements, including herbs, don't mix with kids. That's according to a study presented at a meeting of the American Academy of Pediatrics on families and alternative medicine.

According to the study, 21 percent of parents treat their kids with alternative remedies, including diet supplements like herbs.

Eight-one percent said they'd like to discuss supplements with their pediatrician but only 36 percent actually did so.

Well, they should have, because this study points out that diet supplements can be dangerous to kids. No diet supplement -- not a single one -- has been thoroughly tested in children.

Herbs, even natural ones, can contain toxins, like lead and arsenic. They can cause side effects, drug interactions and allergies.

For example, comfrey -- used to heal wounds -- can cause liver damage, as can chapparal, used to treat infections.

While some alternative remedies like massage and accupuncture can help, kids and diet supplements don't go together.

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