Are you giving natural health products to your children? Are you sure they’re safe? Natural health products are often viewed as healthier alternatives to medicine, or as healthy ways to prevent illness. But just because something is natural doesn’t mean it won’t hurt your child.
Some natural health products typically given to children are vitamins, homeopathic medicines, herbal remedies, probiotics and amino acids. Concerns about their use by kids include:
- Allergic reactions
- Harmful effects from taking too much
- Unpleasant or harmful side effects
- Lack of research into and understanding about the effects of products on children’s growing bodies
- Reactions with prescription and non-prescription drugs
Although Health Canada does regulate natural health products, you may be using a product they have not assessed. Look for a Drug Identification Number, Natural Product Number or Drug Identification Number – Homeopathic Medicine on the label. If you find one, the product has been approved by Health Canada.
We encourage all members of the Preventous family to talk to us about the products they are giving or are considering giving their children. We focus on illness prevention and risk management through scientifically proven medical strategies and can give you knowledgeable advice and assistance as you work to ensure your child is in peak health.
For more information about children and natural health products, visit the Canadian Paediatric Society website.