Urgent Alert for Parents: Dispose of Contaminated Kids’ Gummies

Parents have been urgently advised to dispose of a specific brand of children’s health gummies due to the presence of a prescription-only drug. The warning comes from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), which identified that the Nutrition Ignition Kids Magnesium Glycinate Gummies contain synthetic melatonin, a substance that can trigger adverse effects when consumed in excess.

Testing revealed that each gummy contains between 1.5 mg and 1.7 mg of melatonin, significantly higher than the recommended starting dose of 1 mg for children prescribed melatonin for sleep disorders. Melatonin, a hormone that regulates the sleep-wake cycle, is produced naturally in the body. While the synthetic version is allowed for use under prescription for children over six years old in the UK, its inclusion in these gummies poses potential health risks.

The MHRA has indicated that melatonin is not listed on the product’s packaging, which suggests a dosage of one to two gummies daily. Consuming too many of these gummies may lead to side effects such as headaches, nausea, and drowsiness.

Health Risks and Regulatory Response

Dr. Alison Cave, chief safety officer at the MHRA, emphasized the importance of this warning. “We advise any parent or caregiver to stop use of this product and safely dispose of it,” she stated. “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.”

Parents are urged to monitor for any potential side effects in children who may have consumed these gummies. Those who suspect adverse reactions should cease usage immediately and consult a healthcare professional. Additionally, incidents should be reported to the MHRA Yellow Card scheme, which collects data on suspected drug reactions.

As of October 2023, the MHRA continues to investigate the issue, ensuring that consumer safety remains a top priority. This incident serves as a critical reminder for parents to carefully review product labels and understand the implications of dietary supplements on children’s health.