'Natural' not always safe, Canadian Paediatric Society

Main Category: Complementary Medicine / Alternative Medicine
Also Included In: Pediatrics / Children's Health
Article Date: 12 Apr 2005 - 8:00 PDT

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OTTAWA - Natural health products can cause harm if taken inappropriately, says the Canadian Paediatric Society. They can cause serious side effects and can interact with other drugs, even non-prescription drugs.

Many parents are using, or considering the use of, natural health products to treat their children, without first talking to their doctor. Sick children or children with chronic health conditions are more likely to be exposed to natural health products as a supplement to existing health care.

"It is important to recognize that anything that can have a potentially beneficial effect can also have an unintended side effect," says Dr. Sunita Vohra, author of Children and natural health products: what a clinician should know, a CPS position statement published this week in Paediatrics & Child Health. "We understand that people will use these products and want to advise that they be treated, as any other medication, with respect and caution."

Physicians are encouraged to discuss the potential risks and benefits of natural health products with families.

"Parents and paediatricians need to be open and up front about the use of natural health products when treating children. Parents often find themselves facing a tug of war between conventional medicine and complementary alternative medicine. Without guidance from physicians, they are forced to make decisions on their own," added Dr. Vohra.

The Canadian Paediatric Society is a national professional association, representing more than 2,200 paediatricians, that advocates for the health needs of children and youth.

Canadian Paediatric Society

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