Pediatric nutritional and vitamin supplement risks

Medical experts in Vietnam and Turkey have issued warnings regarding the risks associated with improper nutritional supplementation and vitamin deficiencies in children.

In Vietnam, healthcare professionals reported specific cases of harm caused by incorrect dietary habits and supplementation. At Hanoi Children’s Hospital, a toddler was treated for severe iron deficiency anemia resulting from excessive milk consumption that displaced iron-rich foods. Additionally, doctors at the National Children’s Hospital treated siblings for acute kidney failure caused by high-dose vitamin D toxicity, which led to hypercalcemia.

In Turkey, pediatric specialist Dr. Miraç Ergen warned that seasonal changes and crowded school environments increase the risk of illness. He cautioned that indiscriminate vitamin use can damage the liver and that deficiencies may lead to attention and concentration disorders, impacting academic performance. Experts in both regions emphasize that supplements should only be administered under medical supervision following professional blood tests and that dietary diversity remains the primary method for maintaining health.