OTTAWA - Two days after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a warning about liquid vitamin D products for infants, Health Canada has issued a more muted advisory regarding potential dosage problems.
Health Canada says parents and caregivers should use caution when administering the vitamin to infants.
It comes after the FDA announced that some liquid vitamin D products come with droppers that hold more medication than an infant should receive.
Health Canada says while vitamin D is good for building strong bones and teeth and is often recommended for breastfeeding infants, excessive amounts may be harmful. Too much vitamin D can cause nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, constipation, abdominal pain, muscle weakness, confusion, fatigue and in more serious cases, kidney damage.
The agency is urging parents and caregivers to use only the dropper that comes with the vitamin supplement they've purchased and to ensure that it's marked with the proper units of measurement.
Because infant formula already contains vitamin D, parents should consult with a pediatrician before administering an additional supplement.
Health Canada says it has not received any reports of dosing errors related to the use of liquid vitamin D products for infants.
