A recent study in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that many brands of melatonin gummies in the United States may contain up to 347% of the amount listed on the label.
In the study, researchers tested 25 brands and found that 22 were improperly labeled. One contained no detectable melatonin and others contained anywhere from 74% to 347% of the labeled quantity. And while the amount of melatonin likely doesn’t cause adults to be at serious risk, children could potentially be harmed.
Melatonin Ingestion Poisoning
It’s a sobering reminder that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not evaluate dietary supplements for safety and effectiveness before they are sold. The FDA does investigate complaints after the product is available for sale.
Gummy vitamins and other items designed to mimic the appeal of candy can be especially tempting for kids. Melatonin ingestions accounted for nearly 5% of all poisonings reported to poison control centers in 2021. According to the JAMA report, the number of calls to US poison control centers for pediatric melatonin ingestions increased a whopping 530% from 2012 to 2021. Those calls were associated with 27,795 emergency room/clinic visits, more than 4,000 hospitalizations, and 2 fatalities.
Store Out of Reach of Children
If you or anyone in your home takes gummy vitamins or supplements, remember that they can be appealing to kids and be sure to keep stored out of reach. All medications (both prescription and over the counter), supplements, and vitamins should be kept out of reach of children.
If you or a loved one has been injured, contact the Schuerman Law office today. Schuerman Law has been working with personal injury claims for over 40 years. John Schuerman will compassionately advocate for injured individuals as well as their families while fighting for full compensation of their claims. Schuerman Law offers evening and weekend appointments in addition to home and hospital visits. Schedule a free consultation today by calling 1-800-274-0045.
