Health Watch is a Public Service of the Office of News and Publications and is intended to provide general information only and should not replace the advice of a medical professional. You should contact your physician if you have questions about any of these topics.

This week on Health Watch, we've been talking about keeping kids safe. Some things that are good for you can be dangerous for children. Prenatal vitamins might help ensure that expectant mothers and their unborn children stay healthy, but they can be deadly for preschoolers.

Dr. Kathleen Delaney, a toxicologist at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, says the high iron content in prenatal vitamins can be toxic to small children. She suggests that prenatal vitamins — along with all other medication - be kept locked away where children can't get to them. When talking with your children, you should never compare vitamins or medicines — even those made for children — to candy.

If you suspect that your child has taken prenatal vitamins or any other medication, get to the emergency room immediately.  

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June 2006

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