Health officials issue warning of undeclared drug in children’s supplement
Parents are being advised to stop giving children a magnesium supplement after it was found to contain an undeclared prescription-only medicine.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has confirmed that Nutrition Ignition Kids Magnesium Glycinate Gummies contain melatonin, a drug used under medical supervision to treat sleep disorders.
Tests of two batches showed each gummy contained between 1.5mg and 1.7mg of melatonin, despite the ingredient not being listed on the packaging. The supplement was marketed for children aged four and above to support “calm, focus, and digestion”.
The MHRA said the product, sold only online, has been removed from sale and urged parents to return any remaining supplies to a pharmacy for safe disposal.
Dr Alison Cave, MHRA Chief Safety Officer, 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.”
Melatonin is available in the UK only on prescription for the treatment of specific sleep disorders in children aged six and above, and for short-term use in adults. The recommended starting dose for children is 1mg, increasing to a maximum of 5mg per day.
Taking too much melatonin can cause drowsiness, headache, dizziness and nausea, although lasting harm is not expected and the body typically clears the substance within 12 hours.
The MHRA said anyone who suspects a side effect should report it via the Yellow Card scheme at yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk.
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