The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) has issued a consumer safety warning about dietary supplements marketed for children that contain zinc picolinate and/or selenium, urging parents, health professionals, and retailers to stop using and selling these products.
Why These Supplements Are Risky
SAHPRA says that zinc picolinate and selenium are not permitted in health supplements for individuals under the age of 18 years under current regulatory guidance because of safety concerns. Zinc picolinate may cause indigestion, diarrhoea, headaches, nausea, and vomiting, and the bio‑availability of zinc in this form can be unpredictable in children. Selenium poses a risk of overdose due to variable dietary intake among different population groups.
Products Affected
Among the products currently on the market that may fall under this warning is Zinplex Junior Syrup, a 200 ml immune booster containing zinc picolinate and selenium often marketed to support children’s immunity and manage colds, flu, and other conditions.
SAHPRA has made clear that any product containing these ingredients and intended for use in children does not qualify as a Category D (complementary) medicine and must either be withdrawn or submitted for full registration as a Category A medicine within six months of the warning.
Instructions for Parents and Retailers
Health professionals and retailers have been instructed to cease distribution, selling, and dispensing, and remove such products from shelves and storage facilities. The public is urged to return’ these supplements to their pharmacy, supplier, or distributor and to report any adverse effects via the Med Safety App to help monitor product safety.
Importance of Checking Labels
Parents should be cautious of immune booster supplements and check labels carefully for zinc picolinate or selenium. These ingredients are not automatically safe just because a product is marketed for children; only products approved under official guidelines should be used.
For more information and official updates, visit SAHPRA’s website
