Image Source: The Citizen
Local – The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) has issued a public health warning about two ingredients commonly found in children’s health supplements.
Chief Regulatory Officer Tammy Gopal called on parents to immediately check their medicine cabinets and stop giving products containing zinc picolinate and selenium to anyone under 18.
The warning applies specifically to these two forms of the minerals. Other zinc variants, including zinc acetate, zinc chloride, and zinc sulfate, remain safe within SAHPRA’s established guidelines.
“As far back as 2020, SAHPRA indicated that these ingredients are not indicated for children under the age of 18 years old. We have found that applicants have not abided by this, and hence we have issued the communication, which is quite serious in nature,” Gopal said.
Insufficient Safety Evidence Drives Regulatory Action
SAHPRA’s decision is based on a lack of scientific evidence on the safety of these ingredients for children. Parents should examine product labels before giving any supplements to their children, specifically looking for zinc picolinate and selenium in the ingredient list.
“There is not enough substantial evidence to confirm that these two ingredients are safe for this vulnerable population, children under 18 years,” Gopal said.
Children who take these products may experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and headaches.
Immediate Action Required from Parents
SAHPRA is compiling a product list for publication on its website. Until then, parents should return any products containing zinc picolinate or selenium to the store where they were purchased. Adults aged 18 and older can continue using these supplements.
Gopal warned consumers about where to buy health products—purchase from registered pharmacies and legitimate retailers, not through informal channels.
“You should only purchase products from a reputable supplier. The public needs to be aware of the current issues we have with counterfeit, substandard and falsified medicine,” Gopal said.
SAHPRA’s regulatory compliance team will conduct periodic inspections to ensure that healthcare professionals are complying with this notice and that products on shelves meet the required standards.
