PARENTS have been told to bin a brand of kids’ health gummies that contain a prescription-only drug.
Regulators issued an alert after tests found Nutrition Ignition Kids Magnesium Glycinate Gummies have synthetic melatonin, with too much causing headaches and nausea.
Magnesium glycinate is a supplement used to combat anxiety and improve sleep .
However, tests of this specific brand showed between 1.5 and 1.7mg of melatonin in each gummy.
Melatonin, the hormone that helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle, is naturally produced in the body.
However, a synthetic version is authorised for use on prescription in the UK for adults and children over six with sleep disorders such as insomnia .
If prescribed, the recommended starting dose is 1mg for children.
According to the MHRA, melatonin is not listed anywhere on the packaging of Nutrition Ignition Kids Magnesium Glycinate Gummies.
The packaging advises a dose of one to two gummies daily.
Taking too much can cause headaches, drowsiness and nausea.
Dr Alison Cave, chief safety officer at MHRA, said: “We advise any parent or caregiver to stop use of this product and safely dispose of it.
“Side effects such as headache, hyperactivity, a feeling of dizziness and abdominal pain have been reported in children when melatonin is prescribed and used for its licensed indications. No serious side effects were observed in studies in children.
“Anyone who suspects that their child, or a child in their care, is having a side effect from this product is advised to stop taking it and speak to a healthcare professional and report it directly to the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.”
