Skip to content
My WebMD Sign In, Sign Up
Last Reply:
Children and Iron supplements
avatar
prrprr posted:
I have found that most children's multivitamin supplements don't have iron. I asked around, and heard that there is a concern about iron overload. I looked online and this webpage sponsored by the University of Utah medical school says that 20 mg of iron per kg of body weight will give a person vomiting and diarrhea. This would equal to approximately 440 grams of iron. The multivitamin I give my kids has 18 mg (they get it almost every day), so I really don't imagine that they will be approaching 440 any time soon.

What is teh concern over iron overload? Is it enough to get a multivitamin that doesn't have it?
2 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:Children and Iron supplementsI have found that most children's multivitamin supplements don't have iron. I asked around, and heard that there is a concern about iron overload. I looked online and<a rel="nofollow" href="http://library.med.utah.edu/WebPath/TUTORIAL/IRON/IRON.html"> this webpage sponsored by the University of Utah medical school</a> says that 20 mg of iron per kg of body weight will give a person vomiting and diarrhea. This would equal to approximately 440 grams of iron. The multivitamin I give my kids has 18 mg (they get it almost every day), so I really don't imagine that they will be approaching 440 any time soon.<br /><br />What is teh concern over iron overload? Is it enough to get a multivitamin that doesn't have it?
Reply
 
avatar
Thistledown1973 responded:
There are two concerns with iron in children's vitamins:

1) Children store iron extrmely well (unless the have a malabsorption syndrome) and if they are eating a healthy diet do not need extra iron

2) If a child gets into the bottle (especially if the vitamins are "tasty" chewables) they could easily overdose on iron whereas the rest of the nutrients are less likely to cause toxicity.
Report This| Share this:Children and Iron supplementsThere are two concerns with iron in children's vitamins:<br /> <br />1) Children store iron extrmely well (unless the have a malabsorption syndrome) and if they are eating a healthy diet do not need extra iron<br /> <br />2) If a child gets into the bottle (especially if the vitamins are "tasty" chewables) they could easily overdose on iron whereas the rest of the nutrients are less likely to cause toxicity.
Reply
 
avatar
prrprr replied to Thistledown1973's response:
Ok that's some helpful information. Thanks.
Report This| Share this:Children and Iron supplementsOk that's some helpful information. Thanks.
Reply


Back to Top
Back to Top

See Related Eating & Diet Communities

See All Communities

Featuring Experts

Profile
Pamela Peeke, MD, MPH, FACP Expert
Known as the "doc who walks the talk", Pamela Peeke, MD, MPH, FACP, is an internationally renowned expert and speaker in women's health,...More

Popular Discussions

Start a Discussion | See All

Helpful Tips

DrNoSA
It is easier to lose weight and keep it off if you treat your undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a common causes of weight gain. ... More
Was this Helpful?
Yes No
2 of 5 found this helpful
Post a Tip | See All

Helpful Resources

Post a Resource | See All

Expert Blog

Everyday Fitness - Pamela Peeke, MD, MPH, FACP

Achieve a better mind-body balance and live a healthier life with tips from wellness expert Dr. Pamela Peeke...Read More

Related News

Related Drug Reviews

  • Drug Name User Reviews
See More

Report Problems to the
Food and Drug Administration

FDAYou are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.