Rising Concern Over Melatonin Poisoning in Children
Melatonin is frequently marketed as a safe, non-habit-forming sleep aid. Many turned to this supplement for relief during the pandemic and other stressful times. Its surging popularity has resulted in a plethora of options available, including pills, powders, and appealing gummies. Unfortunately, these gummy forms resemble candy, making them especially attractive to young children. Last year, U.S. poison control centers reported over 52,000 incidents of children accidentally ingesting melatonin.
A new study conducted by the CDC has highlighted the alarming increase in melatonin overdoses among minors. The research, covering the period from 2012 to 2021, found a staggering 530% rise in overdose cases, with the sharpest increase occurring between 2019 and 2020, coinciding with the onset of the pandemic. Notably, there was a 38% surge in melatonin overdoses among children and teenagers during this time. The study documented more than 260,000 overdose incidents over the last decade, with over 4,000 cases requiring hospitalization and 300 needing intensive care. The majority of these incidents were due to unintentional ingestion, predominantly in children under five, who constituted 83.8% of the cases. Tragically, two babies—a 3-month-old and a 1-year-old—lost their lives due to melatonin poisoning.
Experts suggest that the rise in incidents may be attributed to parents leaving melatonin out in accessible places rather than securely stored with other medications. “Parents should regard melatonin just like any other medication that can pose risks to children, especially since it can look like candy,” said Dr. Sarah Mitchell, one of the study’s lead authors. “If a parent reads this and decides to store melatonin in a medicine cabinet, that’s a significant takeaway: prioritize safe storage.”
Melatonin is a hormone produced naturally by the body, responding to darkness and aiding in sleep regulation. While most melatonin supplements are synthetic versions designed to replicate its effects, excessive doses can still be harmful. It is crucial to keep all supplements out of reach of young children and consult a pediatrician before introducing any new supplements to your child’s routine.
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Summary:
The rise in melatonin poisoning among children, particularly during the pandemic, has led to alarming statistics. With a 530% increase in overdose cases from 2012 to 2021 and tragic fatalities, experts urge parents to consider melatonin as a serious medication rather than a harmless supplement. Safe storage practices and pediatric consultation are essential for ensuring child safety.