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Beware of Unusual Supplements for Kids
By: http://seattle.healthink.com/story1.html

Advertising aside, there are no miracle cures — but there may be some risks

Some dietary supplements and herbal mixtures aimed at your children may be a waste of your money — and some may be a threat to their health. Firms are advertising herbs and supplements as remedies for everything from colds and asthma to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

“We’re very concerned about how some dietary supplements for kids are being portrayed in ads,” says Jodie Bernstein, director of the Bureau of Consumer Protection for the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

“Many of the products are not proven to provide the benefits they claim,” she adds. “Our fear is that parents who fall for the claims may ignore proven and perhaps essential treatments for their child’s disorder.”

Polly Lenssen, MS, RD, dietitian at Children’s, says such supplements can be very harmful to children. That’s because no one knows what dosage may be best or how the supplements could affect growing bodies.

“For children on medications, there can be severe interactions with herbs or supplements,” says Lenssen. Consumers should never rely on just one source for information about supplements. “If the product is legitimate, something else will be written about it,” Lenssen says. Your doctor or health care provider will know about it.

Pointers for Parents

• Don’t buy “miracle drugs” or “cure-alls.”
  
  
• Beware of money-back guarantees.
  
  
• Avoid products that come from just one source who must be paid upfront.
  
  
• Learn about herbs or supplements from reputable sources, such as your health care provider.
  
  
• Consult your health care provider before you change your child’s diet or start supplements.
  
  
• Check on supplements’ side effects and potential food and drug interactions — especially for kids taking medications.

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