Recent reports show that melatonin poisoning incidents among kids have increased dramatically in the last decade. Approximately 94% of all melatonin poisoning incidents were accidental, and most involved children under five years of age. The compound is widely available in capsules, tablets, and even sweet gummies. These gummies are especially tempting for kids.
It may sound like a scary statistic, but melatonin poisoning reports among children have been rising for over a decade. These reports increased 38% during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the increase coincided with a period of increased availability. More kids were home due to lockdowns, virtual learning, and other reasons like the COVID-19 pandemic. The result was a rise in anxiety and sleep-disrupting stress.
Increased Availability Of Melatonin
Since melatonin has become widely available, more kids have been ingesting it, including through over-the-counter (OTC) supplements. However, the number of pediatric melatonin ingestions reported to U.S. poison control centers has increased dramatically, increasing by more than threefold between 1996 and 2020. Moreover, they may cause a child’s heartbeat to increase in an uncontrolled manner.
The researchers conducted an open-label study in which melatonin was administered to children with autism and fragile X syndrome. The results showed a significant decrease in the latency to fall asleep and increased sleep duration and improved wake-up time after sleep onset. The melatonin supplementation significantly reduced the SCORAD index (the score of how well kids sleep) in children with autism. In contrast, those given a placebo showed no difference in their sleep quality or duration.
Melatonin ingestion is low among kids, with the concentration needed to cause a negative reaction. But this is unlikely to discourage parents from purchasing melatonin supplements despite these risks. he FDA has not yet approved any of the available supplements, and they can be purchased over-the-counter.
Increase In Melatonin Ingestions During COVID-19 Pandemic
An increase in melatonin ingestion in kids during the COVID-19 pandemic is worrying, but the causes are unclear.
In addition to the rising use of melatonin, the CDC reports that the number of melatonin poisonings in kids has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the National Poison Data System (NPDS), the number of children who ingested melatonin ingestions increased from 26,000 in 2012 to more than 52,500 in 2021. The largest increases in melatonin ingestions occurred between 2012 and 2021, which may suggest that sleep disturbances during the pandemic caused a spike in melatonin availability in homes.
Increase In Melatonin Ingestions During The Past Decade
Melatonin ingestion in young children has increased dramatically in recent years. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of reported pediatric melatonin ingestions jumped 530% from 2012 to 2021. In addition to increasing usage, children may be more likely to accidentally ingest the sleep-enhancing ingredient.
There is no one explanation for the spike in melatonin ingestion, but the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic was one of the biggest drivers of this rise. Children who missed school during the pandemic may have had more access to the substance. Additionally, the increased exposure in children may have been related to the fact that their parents were not able to get sufficient sleep.
Hospitalizations resulting from melatonin ingestions increased by 530% between 2012 and 2021, with an estimated 1,367 pediatric melatonin ingestions reported over that period. However, they recommend that health authorities educate the public about the dangers of melatonin ingestion and provide information about its safe use.
Lastly
The melatonin ingestion rate among children is escalating rapidly, and more kids are consuming this supplement to promote sleep. So, what are parents and guardians to do to prevent melatonin poisoning among their children?
Despite the warnings, melatonin is widely sold as a dietary supplement and is not regulated as a pharmaceutical product. Because of this, the FDA is not responsible for checking the purity of the ingredients or accurate dosage claims. The lack of regulatory oversight and quality control of melatonin makes it even riskier for kids.
Melatonin has several potential side effects, including daytime drowsiness, vivid dreams, nightmares, and irritability. A melatonin supplement taken too often can lead to dizziness, nausea, headaches, and diarrhea. Overdoses can also affect glucose tolerance.
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