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Melatonin is a hormone that is naturally produced in the body and helps regulate sleep cycles.[1] It is widely available in the U.S. as an over-the-counter dietary supplement (in tablet, capsule, liquid and gummy forms) in a range of doses and is promoted as a treatment for jet lag and insomnia in adults and sleep disorders in children.
Because it is naturally produced in the body, many consumers assume melatonin must be safe to use. However, it can cause adverse effects (including...
Melatonin is a hormone that is naturally produced in the body and helps regulate sleep cycles.[1] It is widely available in the U.S. as an over-the-counter dietary supplement (in tablet, capsule, liquid and gummy forms) in a range of doses and is promoted as a treatment for jet lag and insomnia in adults and sleep disorders in children.
Because it is naturally produced in the body, many consumers assume melatonin must be safe to use. However, it can cause adverse effects (including fainting, drowsiness, headache, seizures, anxiety, depression, rashes, vomiting, constipation and acute pancreatitis)[2] and comes with potentially serious risks, particularly when consumed by children. And with melatonin’s growing popularity in recent years (sales increased from $285 million in 2016 to $821 million in 2020), opportunities for intentional and unintentional exposure in children have risen sharply.[3]
A study published in the June 3, 2022, issue of Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report showed that in 2020, melatonin became the most frequently ingested substance among children and young adults (aged 19 or younger) reported to poison control centers.[4] Between Jan. 1, 2012, and Dec. 31, 2021, these ingestions increased by 530%, and melatonin was responsible for 4.9% of pediatric ingestions (compared with 0.6% in 2012).[5] Pediatric hospitalizations and deaths due to melatonin also increased during this period, particularly among children aged 5 years or younger who were unintentionally exposed to melatonin. Five of the hospitalized children required mechanical ventilation, and two died.
Most of the of ingestions (94.3%) were unintentional, and the majority of the children were asymptomatic (84.4%).[6] Among all melatonin ingestions, 4,555 (1.6%) resulted in more serious outcomes, such as hospitalization.
To protect the children in your household from potentially dangerous melatonin exposure, ensure that the supplement is kept out of their sight and in a place they cannot reach, such as a locked box or medicine cabinet. If possible, purchase only melatonin products that have child-proof caps.
References
[1] Melatonin dietary supplements: Useful for jet lag, not for other conditions. Worst Pills, Best Pills News. July 2020. https://www.worstpills.org/newsletters/view/1342.
[2] Ibid.
[3] Lelak K, Vohra V, Neuman MI, et al. Pediatric melatonin ingestions — United States, 2012 – 2021. MMWR. 2022;71(22):725-729.
[4] Ibid.
[5] Ibid.
[6] Ibid.
