An infant with autism developed hypercalcaemia after being fed "holistic supplements" prescribed by a naturopath, a doctor reports today.
The episode highlights the risks of desperate parents turning to alternative therapies for children with chronic problems, according to the authors.
The child, aged four, had been given a total of 12 supplements including calcium, vitamin D, camel milk and cod liver oil. He also received silver, zinc and Epsom bath salts, according to the report in BMJ Case Reports.
He was admitted to hospital suffering from vomiting, constipation, weight loss and loss of appetite. He was found to have hypercalcaemia and high levels of vitamin D.
Dr Catriona Boyd, of Barts Health Trust, London, writes: “His parents were devastated that something they had given to their son with good intent had made him so unwell.
The police became involved to investigate the naturopath who had advised the therapies."
She added: “Many families view these therapies as safer natural options.
“But as this case demonstrates, there can be significant adverse effects which may go unrecognised due to lack of monitoring, recognition and experience with these therapies.
“There are many reported cases of complications, including fatalities, and probably many others which are not reported to medical practitioners or recognised as being attributable to these.”
Severe hypercalcaemia in a child secondary to use of alternative therapies BMJ Case Report 7 October 2016 [abstract]
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