publish time

11/03/2024

author name Arab Times

publish time

11/03/2024

WASHINGTON, March 11, (Agencies): Between 2019 and 2022, a recent report from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals that approximately 11,000 children ended up in the emergency room after consuming melatonin products without supervision. Melatonin, a natural hormone governing the sleep-wake cycle, has gained popularity among US adults, with over-the-counter products, often in the form of flavored chews or gummies.

It's crucial to note that melatonin, considered a supplement, lacks regulation from the US Food and Drug Administration. In their study, researchers from the CDC and the US Consumer Product Safety Commission focused on cases involving children aged 5 or younger who visited the emergency room due to unsupervised melatonin ingestion.

Out of 295 identified cases, an estimated 10,930 emergency room visits occurred during this period, constituting 7.1% of all ER visits related to unsupervised medication exposure in infants and children. Notably, around half of the accidental ingestions involved children aged 3 to 5, and in 90.2% of cases, melatonin was the sole substance involved.

Fortunately, the majority (93.5%) of these accidental ingestions did not result in hospitalization. The report highlights that approximately half of the ER visits for melatonin ingestion involved flavored products, like gummies or chewable tablets, appealing to young children. Child-resistant packaging for melatonin is not mandatory, but the report suggests its voluntary implementation.

Examining container types in documented ER visits, about three-quarters involved bottles. This implies that infants and children either opened bottles themselves or encountered improperly closed bottles. The researchers emphasize the need to educate parents and caregivers about keeping all medications and supplements, including appealing gummies, out of children's reach and sight. This study underscores the importance of preventive measures to ensure the safety of children when it comes to melatonin products.