Millions of children use melatonin, but doctors warn against the sleeping aid.
Melatonin may help some children sleep, but experts warn the popular “natural” sleep aid may not be as harmless as many families think.
A large study has shown clear benefits for children with conditions such as autism and ADHD, but there is much less data on typical childhood insomnia.
Researchers also warn about mislabeled supplement doses and increasing accidental ingestion among young children.
Experts say melatonin should be used carefully and only in addition to proven behavioral sleep strategies.
Melatonin is now widely used to help children sleep, but scientists say the enthusiasm may be ahead of the evidence.
The latest review published in The World Journal of Pediatrics, by researchers at Boston Children’s Hospital examined the rapid increase in melatonin use among children and adolescents worldwide.
Furthermore, the review also analyzed clinical evidence regarding the effectiveness, safety profile and patterns of use of melatonin.
The review also highlights several safety issues that can arise outside controlled clinical environments. Testing of commercial melatonin supplements has revealed large differences between the doses stated on the label and the actual amount of melatonin contained in some products.
In some cases, supplements contain several times the stated dose or unexpected substances such as serotonin.
Data from pediatric poison control centers also shows a sharp increase in accidental ingestion of melatonin in children.
Young children appear particularly vulnerable, often due to gummy formulations that resemble candy and improper storage at home.
Furthermore, these findings suggest that the risks associated with melatonin use in the real world may be greater than previously thought.
