Unsafe Children’s Supplements
By Karabo Marifi
Pretoria –
The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority has raised the alarm over certain children’s supplements containing zinc picolinate and selenium, urging parents, retailers, and health professionals to stop using or selling them due to serious safety worries for kids under 18.
This warning, issued on 8 January 2026, highlights potential side effects like indigestion and stresses that these ingredients are not allowed in products meant for young ones, prompting a call to pull them from shelves right away to protect little lives.
Uncovering the Risks in Children’s Immune Boosters
The alert came after the authority learned about several products on the market that include zinc picolinate and selenium, often marketed as immune boosters or multivitamins for children.
These supplements promise to help with growth, energy, and fighting off colds, but the ingredients pose hidden dangers for anyone under 18.
Zinc picolinate, a form of zinc meant to be easier for the body to absorb, and selenium, a mineral important for health in small amounts, can cause upset stomachs, nausea, or more serious issues if taken in the wrong doses by kids.
Parents might pick these up thinking they are giving their children a healthy edge, especially during cold seasons or growth spurts.
But the authority explains that regulations ban these specific forms in supplements for minors because young bodies handle them differently, leading to risks that outweigh any benefits.
For example, too much selenium can build up and cause hair loss or nerve problems over time, while high zinc might mess with copper levels needed for strong bones and blood.
Specific Products and Ingredients Under Scrutiny
One product flagged in the warning is Viridian Kids Immune Support, but the alert covers any supplement with these ingredients aimed at children.
These often come in fun shapes like gummies or chewables, making them appealing to little ones but hiding the potential harm.
The authority has made it clear that no health claims for these in kids’ products have been approved, and they fall outside safe guidelines set for complementary medicines.
To spot them, look for labels listing zinc picolinate (not just plain zinc) or selenium in forms like selenomethionine. These are sometimes added to formulas for “immune support” or “daily vitamins,” but the warning applies across the board.
Retailers stocking these must remove them immediately, and doctors or pharmacists should advise against dispensing them to avoid legal or health troubles.
Urgent Calls for Action from Parents and Retailers
The authority is asking everyone to play their part in keeping kids safe. Parents who have these supplements at home should stop giving them to children under 18 and return them to stores for refunds if possible.
If any side effects show up, like tummy aches or tiredness, seek medical help right away and report it to the authority’s hotline or app for tracking.
For shops and online sellers, the message is clear: halt sales, pull items from displays, and inform customers about the risks. Health pros, from nurses to dietitians, must double-check what they recommend and spread the word to families.
This proactive step aims to prevent any harm before it happens, especially in a country where many rely on supplements to fill nutrition gaps from poor diets.
Broader Context of Supplement Safety in South Africa
This is not the first time the authority has stepped in on unsafe products – past alerts have targeted fake medicines or those with hidden drugs.
In South Africa, where over-the-counter supplements are big business, rules are in place to ensure they meet quality standards without risking health.
For children, extra care is needed because their growing bodies react differently, and doses must be spot on to avoid overloads.
Experts note that while zinc and selenium are vital – zinc for immune health and growth, selenium for thyroid function – kids usually get enough from food like meat, nuts, and eggs.
Supplements should only come in when a doctor spots a shortfall through tests, and even then, use approved forms like zinc gluconate or sodium selenite that are safer for young ones.
Steps to Report and Stay Informed
To help enforce the warning, the authority encourages reports of any products still on sale or causing issues. Use their online portal or call centre to share details, helping track down non-compliant items.
For updates, check their website for the latest on recalls or safe alternatives.
In the end, this alert serves as a reminder for parents to read labels carefully and talk to doctors before giving supplements to kids.
By pulling these risky items, the authority aims to keep South Africa’s children healthy and protected, turning a potential hazard into a lesson for safer choices ahead.
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