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The MHRA issued the warning on the Nutrition Ignition Kids Magnesium Glycinate Gummies after tests found the product contains melatonin, a prescription-only medicine not listed on the label.

Nutrition Ignition Kids Magnesium Glycinate Gummies

© Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency

The gummies, marketed as 'a simple supplement to support calm, focus, and digestion in children aged four and older,' were tested in two batches. Each gummy was found to contain between 1.5 and 1.7 mg of melatonin. Packaging suggests a daily intake of one to two gummies, so even the lowest dose could deliver more melatonin than is usually prescribed - and without any medical supervision.

Although melatonin is used in the UK as a prescription treatment for certain sleep conditions in children over six, the usual starting dose for children is 1 mg, rising under medical supervision up to a maximum of 5 mg at night.

Melatonin is generally cleared by the body within twelve hours, and lasting harm is not expected. However, taking too much can cause side effects such as drowsiness, headaches, dizziness, and الغثيان.

Though sold online as a food supplement, nutrition gummies containing melatonin are regulated as a medicine under UK law - which led the MHRA to withdraw all listings from online retailers.