Hi there, first of all, never ever give an iron supplement to a boy or man. Men do not have the capacity that women do to eliminate excess iron. Women who still have their periods, eliminate iron every month through the menstrual flow. Excess iron can cause severe problems. Even as a woman, if you have not been diagnosed as being anemic, you shouldn't take extra iron...27 mg is too much. For your 12 year old son, you can give him half the dosage of an adult multi or you can find specific multivitamins targeted for teens. Also, make sure that the multi has good amounts of zinc which is crucial for growing boys.