Research out of Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health has revealed that sleep-aid gummies containing melatonin may have significantly higher hormone levels than advertised.
Led by supplements-industry expert Dr. Pieter Cohen, the study
tested 25 sleep gummy vitamins and found that 88% were inaccurately
labeled, with melatonin levels ranging from 74% to 347% of the declared
amount.
- Melatonin and cannabidiol (CBD) were found in higher-than-advertised doses in the gummy vitamins for sleep tested.
- The lack of supplement regulation by the FDA raises concerns about consumer safety.
- The risk of unintentional consumption is high for children, with pediatric ingestion of melatonin increasing by 530% from 2012 to 2021.
- Stamps of approval from organizations like the National Sanitation Foundation or the U.S. Pharmacopeia can ensure accurate supplement ingredient quantities.
- Melatonin supplements have seen growing interest in the US, with sales reaching $821M in 2020.
