Alternative remedies 'dangerous' for kids says report

Child abuse?

Alternative remedies can be dangerous for children and even prove fatal if taken instead of conventional drugs, according to a new study.

The report warns of possible adverse reactions in youngsters who are given alternative remedies.

Researchers say parents sometimes think remedies are "more natural" with fewer side effects than conventional drugs.

But in nearly two thirds of the cases the side effects were rated as severe, life threatening or fatal...

In 30 cases, the issues were "probably or definitely" related to complementary medicine, and in 17 the patient was regarded as being harmed by a failure to use conventional medicine.

You decide.