South African parents are being urged to pay closer attention to the ingredients in health supplements and baby products, following another safety alert issued by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) this week.
In its latest communication, SAHPRA warned that it has identified products currently on the market that contain zinc picolinate and selenium, which are intended for use in children.
According to the regulator, neither ingredient is permitted in health supplements for children under the age of 18.
“SAHPRA has been made aware of products in the market containing zinc picolinate (as a source material for zinc) and/or selenium intended for use in children,” the authority said.
The regulator said the ingredients have been flagged in its official guidance on complementary medicines and health supplements as unsuitable for children, due to safety concerns.
SAHPRA explained that zinc picolinate, regardless of dose, may cause a range of side effects in children, including indigestion, diarrhoea, headaches, nausea, and vomiting.
“Zinc picolinate, at any supplemental dose, can cause side effects,” the authority said, adding that the way the body absorbs zinc from zinc picolinate can vary significantly.
“As the bio-availability of zinc from zinc picolinate is variable due to multiple factors, the risk of side effects may be higher and unpredictable, and it is unsuitable as a source of elemental zinc supplementation in children.”
Selenium, meanwhile, poses different risks. While it is a trace mineral that may be required in certain circumstances, SAHPRA warned that supplementation in children can easily lead to excessive intake.
“Selenium, when supplemented to children, represents a safety concern considering the potential differences in selenium daily intake between different population groups. The sale and distribution of medicines containing ingredients, zinc picolinate and selenium, which are intended for use in children, must be withdrawn from the shelves within six months from January,” said Yuven Gounden, from SAHPRA.
It noted that although selenium may be needed in areas affected by famine or severe dietary restriction, general supplementation could increase the risk of overdose, which may lead to adverse health effects.
The alert comes amid growing scrutiny of baby and children’s products in South Africa.
In recent months, several products aimed at infants and young children have been withdrawn or recalled, including a recent recall involving certain NAN infant formula products, which raised alarm among parents and healthcare professionals.
Consumer safety experts say the latest warning highlights a broader issue around the regulation of supplements and nutrition products marketed for children, particularly those sold over the counter or online. Parents are advised not to assume that “natural” or “supplement” labels automatically mean a product is safe for children.
SAHPRA has encouraged both the public and healthcare professionals to report any adverse reactions linked to health products.
“Public and healthcare professionals are encouraged to report any side effects after using a health product by using the Med Safety App.”
Parents are urged to:
- Check ingredient lists carefully.
- Avoid giving children supplements unless recommended by a healthcare professional.
- Seek medical advice if a child experiences unusual symptoms after using a supplement.
As regulatory oversight tightens, SAHPRA says continued reporting and awareness are key to protecting children from potentially harmful products on the market.
