Understanding the Risk of Melatonin Gummies for Children
Jane Smith
– Mar 15, 2025 3:30 pm EDT
Enlarge / A variety of melatonin gummies on display in a store.
Government agencies have voiced concerns about products that could attract children, such as nicotine-containing e-cigarettes with sweet flavors or cannabis edibles that resemble popular candies. However, one unexpected item has become a cause for concern in recent years – melatonin, particularly in the form of gummies. According to a recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the use of melatonin for sleep aid purposes has surged, leading to an increase in calls to poison control centers and visits to emergency departments.
Melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate sleep patterns, has gained popularity for managing sleep issues and jet lag, even among children. The percentage of adults using melatonin rose from 0.4% in 1999–2000 to 2.1% in 2017–2018. Unfortunately, the prevalence of these candy-like supplements in homes has also raised the risk of unsupervised ingestion by children. This surge in usage resulted in a 530% rise in poison control calls and a 420% increase in emergency room visits due to accidental melatonin consumption by infants and children between 2009 and 2020.
This trend continues to pose a risk. The latest data indicates that almost 11,000 children visited emergency departments between 2019 and 2022 after mistakenly consuming melatonin products. The majority of cases involved solid forms of melatonin, with specific mentions of gummies accounting for 47% and unspecified solid forms making up 49% of cases, likely including gummies. These incidents made up 7% of all emergency visits for children consuming medication without supervision.
Most cases involved children between the ages of 3 and 5, indicating the appeal of melatonin gummies to younger kids. While most children experienced mild effects or none at all, approximately 6.5% of cases resulted in hospitalization. A 2022 study highlighted symptoms reported in children who ingested melatonin, such as gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, or central nervous system issues. It is crucial to note that manufacturers are not mandated to use child-resistant packaging for melatonin products.