The risk of potentially fatal iron overdoes in young children was highlighted earlier this week in a warning issued to health professionals by the UK Committee on Safety of Medicines (CSM).

Accidental iron supplement overdoses account for around three per cent of hospital admissions in children of four years and younger, although fatalities are rare.

Iron supplements are frequently taken by pregnant women and mothers of small babies meaning they are often present in the homes of young children.

Parents are being reminded to keep tablets stored securely away from children. The packaging of all iron supplements will also be redesigned to carry a clear warning of the potential danger.

A planned public education campaign will support the change in labelling and will involve professional bodies as well as the general public.

CSM chairman Professor Alasdair Breckenridge said: "Iron is part of a normal healthy diet and iron supplements taken at the correct dose are not harmful because the body will not absorb more than it needs.

"However, if iron tablets are taken in overdose, the body's normal regulatory system fails and toxic amounts of iron will be absorbed, with potentially fatal results for young children. Fewer than ten of the most commonly prescribed iron tablet may be fatal to a toddler.

"Parents are often unaware of the danger of iron overdose to small children and that they should take normal drug safety precautions for oral iron and other dietary supplements.

"In the event of accidental iron overdose in children, no matter how small the quantity of 'iron tablets' ingested, medical advice should be sought immediately."