Thread by @hyderabaddoctor

Most melatonin gummies in US are inaccurately labelled

1. Melatonin gummies are routinely given to children for sleep, stress and relaxation.
Melatonin is not approved by FDA for use in children, and hence #melatonin gummies are bought OTC or online.
#MedTwitter #sleep

2. Pediatric melatonin ingestions in US increased 530% from 2012 to 2021 and were associated with 27 795 emergency department and clinic visits, 4097 hospitalizations, 287 intensive care unit admissions, and 2 deaths.

3. In a recent study, 25 melatonin gummy brands were analyzed. Twenty-two of 25 products (88%) were inaccurately labeled, and only 3 products (12%) contained a quantity of melatonin that was within ±10% of the declared quantity.
jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/…

4. The quantity of melatonin ranged from 1.3 mg to 13.1 mg per serving size.
The actual quantity of melatonin ranged from 74% to 347% of the labeled quantity.
One product did not contain detectable levels of melatonin but did contain 31.3 mg of cannabidiol (CBD).

5. Five products declared cannabidiol (CBD) as an ingredient, and the quantity of CBD ranged from 10.6 mg to 31.3 mg per serving.
The actual quantity of CBD ranged from 104% to 118% of the labeled quantity.

6. Most melatonin gummies are inaccurately labelled: most products exceed the declared amount of melatonin and cannabidiol.
A Canadian study had similar results: analysis of 16 melatonin brands found that the actual dose of melatonin ranged from 17% to 478% of declared quantity.

7. Consuming melatonin gummies as directed could expose children to between 40 and 130 times higher quantities of melatonin.
Unintentional ingestions could lead to consumption that greatly exceeds these dosages of melatonin.
CBD is also not approved by FDA for healthy children.

8. Take home message:
*Use of melatonin gummies may result in ingestion of unpredictable quantities of melatonin and CBD.
*Parents should avoid using melatonin gummies in children; especially without consulting their pediatrician.