Alarming Increase in Children Visiting Emergency Rooms Due to Melatonin Ingestion
Nearly 11,000 U.S. children recently visited an emergency room after ingesting melatonin they took without supervision, according to a new federal report. These findings shed light on a troubling trend over the past decade, with a significant uptick of 420% in children consuming the sleep-inducing supplement and subsequently requiring emergency medical attention.
Finding show rise in unsupervised melatonin ingestions
Melatonin, the hormone naturally produced by the brain in response to darkness, has gained popularity as a sleep aid supplement among adults. However, the new report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Thursday reveals a worrisome increase in infants and children ingesting the supplement without the supervision of parents or caregivers. This has resulted in a surge of calls to poison centers and emergency room visits.
With an estimated 10,930 emergency room visits between 2019 and 2022, it is evident that the high number of unsupervised melatonin ingestions necessitate an urgent need to educate parents and caregivers about the importance of keeping all medications and supplements, including gummies, out of their children’s reach and sight.
Over-the-counter packaging of melatonin lacks safety regulations
Unlike prescription medications, over-the-counter supplements like melatonin face less scrutiny in terms of packaging safety. Federal regulations do not require child-resistant packaging for melatonin, making it easier for children to access. Additionally, a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 2023 found that many melatonin gummies are inaccurately labeled, further contributing to the risks associated with unsupervised ingestion.
Disturbingly, the data indicates that approximately one-third of infants and children gained access to melatonin from bottles that had not been adequately closed, highlighting the need for improved storage practices.
An exponential surge in emergency room visits
The report from CDC researchers reveals a staggering 420% increase in emergency room visits related to melatonin ingestion, comparing data from 2009 to 2020. A previous CDC report also highlighted a 530% increase in calls to poison centers for pediatric melatonin ingestion, further emphasizing the severity of the issue. From 8,300 cases in 2012, the number rose to over 52,500 in 2021. Tragically, the report found that two children under the age of 2 had died during this period due to melatonin ingestion.
These alarming figures closely align with the overall rise of melatonin use among Americans. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 2022 found that only 0.4% of adults used melatonin from 1999 to 2000, while the number escalated to 2.1% from 2017 to 2018.
Importance of proper consultation and usage
As the data underscores the gravity of the situation, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health emphasizes the significance of seeking consultation from healthcare providers before administering melatonin to children. It is also crucial for adults to ensure proper storage of supplements and adhere to the recommended usage guidelines as a precautionary measure.
