Nearly 20% of children take melatonin, raising calls for alarm
Pediatric Medicine Specialists Call for More Research on Melatonin Supplements for Children
One in five parents are routinely giving their school-aged or adolescent children melatonin supplements, prompting pediatric medicine specialists to advocate for further investigation into its effects on children. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, less than 2% of parents administered melatonin to their children, a hormone that aids in sleep preparation.
Alarming Statistics
A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics by researchers from the University of Colorado, Boulder, revealed concerning statistics. Within the past 30 days, 18.5% of children aged 5 to 9, over 19% of youths aged 10 to 13, and 6% of children aged 1 to 4 had been given melatonin supplements. Lead author Lauren Hartstein, a postdoctoral fellow at the Sleep Development Lab at CU Boulder, expressed surprise at the sudden increase in melatonin usage among parents.
Long-Term Use and Lack of Regulation
The study also highlighted the duration of melatonin use, with preschoolers taking the supplement for approximately a year, and grade school and adolescent children using it for 18 to 21 months. However, researchers emphasized the need for more research to determine the long-term safety of melatonin for children. Another concern raised by Hartstein and her colleagues is the lack of regulation on melatonin dosages, as many parents may not be aware of the exact amount they are giving their children.
Unreliable Product Quality
A separate study discovered inconsistencies in the melatonin content of gummy products, with 22 out of 25 products containing different amounts than indicated on the packaging. One product even had more than three times the advertised amount. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate melatonin dosages or advertisements due to its classification as a dietary supplement.
Rising Concerns and Hospitalizations
Between 2012 and 2021, calls to poison control centers for melatonin ingestion increased by 530%, primarily affecting children under 5. Hospitalizations and serious outcomes related to melatonin poisoning have also risen over the past decade, with teenagers intentionally overdosing on the supplement. While melatonin has shown positive outcomes for children with chronic conditions, such as asthma, ADHD, or autism spectrum disorder, it is not typically recommended as a first-line treatment.
Expert Recommendations
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health advises parents to consult healthcare providers before using melatonin as a sleep aid for their children. While there are no universal guidelines for improving sleep in children, behavioral treatments and parent education are often recommended as initial treatments, which may be supplemented with medication.
Overall, further research and regulation are necessary to ensure the safe and appropriate use of melatonin supplements for children.
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What are the potential long-term effects of melatonin on children’s health and development?
Escents taking it for an average of two years. This raises concerns among pediatric medicine specialists as there is limited research on the long-term effects of melatonin on children’s health and development.
Another issue is the lack of regulation surrounding melatonin supplements. Unlike medications, melatonin supplements are classified as dietary supplements and therefore do not undergo the same rigorous testing and approval process by regulatory agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States. This means that the safety and efficacy of these supplements are not guaranteed.
Potential Risks and Side Effects
While melatonin is generally considered safe for short-term use, there are potential risks and side effects that need to be taken into account when considering its use in children. Some studies have suggested that melatonin may interfere with hormonal development, particularly during puberty. It may also affect sleep-wake cycles and lead to daytime sleepiness, dizziness, and headaches.
Furthermore, melatonin supplements may interact with other medications that a child may be taking, such as antidepressants or antipsychotics, potentially causing adverse effects or reducing the effectiveness of these medications.
The Need for Further Research
Given the significant increase in melatonin supplement usage among children, it is crucial to prioritize further research to better understand the potential risks and benefits of its use in this population. This research should focus on evaluating the long-term effects of melatonin on children’s health, including hormonal development, sleep patterns, and cognitive function.
Additionally, there is a need for standardized guidelines and regulations regarding the use of melatonin supplements in children. These guidelines should address appropriate dosages, duration of use, and potential interactions with other medications.
Pediatric Medicine Specialists’ Recommendations
In light of the limited research and potential risks associated with melatonin supplements for children, pediatric medicine specialists recommend the following:
1. Prioritize further research: Funding and resources should be allocated to conduct rigorous studies on the effects of melatonin supplements in children, with a focus on long-term use and potential risks.
2. Educate parents and healthcare providers: Parents should be made aware of the limited evidence supporting the use of melatonin supplements in children. Healthcare providers should be trained to discuss potential risks and benefits with parents, as well as alternative strategies to manage sleep disturbances in children.
3. Develop guidelines and regulations: Regulatory bodies should establish guidelines for the use of melatonin supplements in children, including appropriate dosages, duration of use, and potential interactions with other medications.
4. Promote healthy sleep habits: Instead of relying on melatonin supplements, parents should prioritize establishing healthy sleep routines and habits for their children. This includes maintaining consistent bedtimes, creating a conducive sleep environment, and limiting the use of electronic devices before bedtime.
In conclusion, the significant increase in melatonin supplement usage among children necessitates further research to evaluate its long-term effects and potential risks. Pediatric medicine specialists advocate for more resources and guidelines to address this growing concern and to ensure the safety and well-being of children.
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