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Children and Vitamins

Did You Know?

Children's vitamins are often sold with added iron. The pills are chewable and look and taste like candy or are made to look like a cartoon character. In overdose, particularly if they contain iron, vitamins can be very dangerous. Check with your doctor before buying vitamins over the counter. If your children's doctor does not recommend vitamins with iron, be sure the vitamins do not contain iron. Treat the bottle of vitamins as you would any other drug and keep it out of the reach of children.

Some adult vitamins taken in excess can also be very harmful. More is not always better. Check with your doctor for a recommendation before taking vitamins.

While certain groups may benefit from supplements, eating a well-balanced diet is still the most important way to get the nutrients that will keep you healthy and strong. While vitamin supplements should not replace vitamin-rich foods, they may help boost your nutrition. If you have questions about whether you should take vitamin supplements, be sure to ask your doctor.