Can A Child Overdose On Adult Vitamins?
"What happens if my child eats all of my adult vitamins?"
We received this question recently. Let's discuss.
Just like any adult medication, vitamins should be locked away so that kids can't get to them. Vitamins are particularly risky because, while they may seem harmless, ingestion of multiple vitamins can be dangerous. In addition, vitamins are colorful and often made in forms that kids love to eat (chewables and gummies).
Vitamin toxicity can occur if a child is taking a few extra vitamins per day or if a child ingests a large amount of vitamins in one sitting.
The most dangerous vitamins ingested by kids are the fat soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K) and iron. Other vitamins and minerals can cause problems as well, but many are passed in the child’s urine without concern.
If you suspect your child has ingested a large amount of any vitamin, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.
They can help you asses the amount that the child ingested and what the risk is.
Most commonly your child will have some stomach upset with or without vomiting. Severe toxicity can occur with Vitamin A and iron, which can lead to multiple problems and ultimately lead to death.
Hope this helps. Just remember to keep all medications locked away and out of reach of your kids.
Doc Smitty
Get to know Justin Smith, M.D.
Justin Smith, M.D., is a pediatrician in Trophy Club and the Medical Advisor for Digital Health for Cook Children's in Fort Worth, Texas. Dr. Smith is an experienced keynote speaker for a variety of topics including pediatric/parenting topics, healthcare social media and physician leadership. If you are interested in having Dr. Smith present to your conference or meeting, please contact him at thedocsmitty@cookchildrens.org.
He has an active community on both Facebook and Twitter as @TheDocSmitty and writes weekly for Cook Children's checkupnewsroom.com. He believes that strategic use of social media and technology by pediatricians to connect with families can deepen their relationship and provide a new level of convenience for both of their busy lifestyles. Dr. Smith’s innovative pediatric clinic, a pediatric clinic “designed by you,” open now. Click here to make an appointment, call 817-347-8100.
