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Pills
The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) has warned against the sale of children’s supplements containing zinc picolinate and selenium, citing safety concerns.
SAHPRA says these ingredients are not allowed in health supplements for persons under the age of 18 as they have side effects that can impact safety. These products are currently on the market, sold as Immune boosters intended to treat colds, flu, diarrhoea, and skin-related conditions.
SAHPRA’s Tammy Gopal warns that zinc picolinate can cause side effects, including indigestion, diarrhoea, headache, nausea, and vomiting.
“The products currently on the market are sold as immune boosters and therefore, the sale of such products with these ingredients is illegal. The sale of medicines containing zinc picolinate or selenium intended for children must be withdrawn from the market,” says Gopal.
She says members of the public are urged to return products containing Zinc Picolinate and Selenium when intended for use in children, to their pharmacist, supplying warehouse, or distributor.
Media Release: ⚠️ Warning: Selenium and zinc picolinate-containing products for children
The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) has been made aware of products in the market containing Zinc picolinate (as a source material for zinc) and/or Selenium… pic.twitter.com/nZ1pFo6zDR
— SAHPRA (@SAHPRA1) January 8, 2026
