Urgent Recall: Parents Warned to Discard Kids’ Gummies with Melatonin

Parents have received an urgent warning to dispose of a specific brand of children’s health gummies due to the presence of a prescription-only drug. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) issued the alert after testing revealed that the Nutrition Ignition Kids Magnesium Glycinate Gummies contain synthetic melatonin, a substance that can lead to adverse effects when consumed in excess.

The gummies, marketed as a supplement to combat anxiety and improve sleep due to their magnesium glycinate content, were found to contain between 1.5 and 1.7 mg of melatonin in each gummy. While melatonin is a hormone naturally produced by the body to help regulate the sleep-wake cycle, the synthetic version is only authorized for prescription use in the United Kingdom for children over the age of six with specific sleep disorders.

Health Risks and Recommendations

The MHRA emphasizes that the use of melatonin should be carefully monitored, particularly in children. The recommended starting dose for prescribed melatonin in children is 1 mg. In contrast, the packaging of the Nutrition Ignition gummies does not mention melatonin at all, instead suggesting a daily intake of one to two gummies, potentially leading to excessive consumption.

Dr. Alison Cave, chief safety officer at the MHRA, strongly advises parents and caregivers to immediately stop using this product and properly dispose of it. “Side effects such as headache, hyperactivity, dizziness, and abdominal pain have been reported in children when melatonin is prescribed and used for its licensed indications,” she stated. “No serious side effects were observed in studies in children, but it is crucial to monitor any adverse reactions.”

Parents are urged to consult a healthcare professional if they suspect their child is experiencing side effects from the gummies. They are also encouraged to report any adverse effects through the MHRA Yellow Card scheme, which monitors the safety of medicines and medical devices in the UK.

Conclusion and Next Steps

In light of this development, parents should be vigilant and informed about the products they provide to their children. The presence of synthetic melatonin in the Nutrition Ignition gummies raises significant health concerns, and the lack of appropriate labeling further complicates matters. Ensuring the safety and well-being of children remains a top priority, and this incident serves as a reminder for parents to scrutinize health products carefully.