ABSTRACT
Vitamin and mineral supplements (VMS) are widely available and commonly used. Little is known about patterns of poisoning exposures to VMS in the Australian population. We performed a retrospective study of calls to the New South Wales Poisons Information Centre (NSWPIC), July 2014-June 2019. NSWPIC is Australia’s largest PIC, taking approximately 100,000 calls/year (50% of Australian poisoning calls) from healthcare professionals and members of the public. We conducted additional analyses on iron exposures due to their high risk of acute toxicity. There were 10 944 VMS exposures reported to NSWPIC during the study period, increasing 9.6% per annum over a five year period (95%CI, 7.2 – 12.1%). Toddlers (1-4 years) accounted for 41.5% (4546) of cases. Agents most commonly involved were multivitamins (n=3610), Vitamin D (n=2080), iron (n=1533), and magnesium (n=804). In 17.7% (1934) of cases the call originated from hospital or the patient was referred to hospital by NSWPIC. Iron exposures increased by 14.0% per year (95%CI, 9.5 – 18.5%), and most were associated with high strength products (>45 mg elemental iron per unit dose, n=1036). Iron exposures were hospitalised in 38% of cases (n=583). We conclude that vitamin and mineral supplement exposures are increasing in Australia. Although most exposures can be managed at home, many required hospitalisation. Iron exposures are increasing and had higher rates of hospitalisation than other agents. Vitamin and mineral supplements are often considered safe and without the potential for adverse effects, highlighting the importance of public education into the potential risks of misuse of these products.
'The Ever Widening Spiral' (Alley Theatre and Strabane and Sperrin Visitor Information Centre, 2021)
