Does Melatonin have any Risks or Side effects?
In recent years, the popularity of melatonin supplements in the United
States has surged, with consumers projected to spend over $425 million in 2018,
a significant increase from $259 million in 2012, according to Nutrition
Business Journal. This rise in demand is attributed to the growing number of
adults and children, approximately 3 million adults and half a million
children, using melatonin supplements. Families grappling with sleep
deprivation are increasingly turning to these supplements as affordable
"natural" remedies, and companies are capitalizing on this trend by
introducing various melatonin products such as teas, mouth sprays, and
animal-shaped gummies.
However, this escalating trend has raised concerns about the public's
oversimplified perception of melatonin, a potent and complex hormone. Instances
of misuse have been reported, exemplified by a disturbing incident in Illinois
where daycare workers were arrested for giving melatonin gummies to 2-year-olds
to hasten their naps, under the assumption that it was safe since it was
available over the counter. The misuse of melatonin is also reflected in the
sharp increase in calls to poison control centers. The American Association of
Poison Control Centers reported an 86% rise in calls related to children
exposed to melatonin from 2014 to 2018. In 2018 alone, nearly 30,000 calls were
made about melatonin, with 24,000 involving children aged 12 and under.
Despite its widespread usage, there is a critical misunderstanding among
the public, as many perceive melatonin as a vitamin rather than a hormone. Dr.
Craig Canapari, the director of the Pediatric Sleep Center at the Yale School
of Medicine, emphasized that melatonin is indeed a hormone and cautioned
against overlooking this fact amid the enthusiasm for "natural
treatments." While melatonin can effectively reset disrupted sleep
schedules caused by factors like jet lag or circadian rhythm disorders, when
taken at the appropriate time and dosage, its potential for misuse and lack of
understanding among consumers pose significant concerns.
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