Supplement Quality: Focus on Melatonin
In this small study, 25 commercially available melatonin gummies (from the US) were analyzed for contents, with results being as follows:
- One product had no detectable melatonin, but did have 31.3 mg of CBD instead.
- In the remaining 24 gummy products, melatonin quantity ranged from 1.3 mg to 13.1 mg per serving
- For those that actually contained melatonin, the quantity of melatonin ranged from 74% to 347% of the label claim.
- 22 out of 25 products (88%) were inaccurately labeled
- Just 3 products (12%) contained a quantity of melatonin within ±10% of the declared quantity.
- Serotonin was not detected in any of these products.
Note that a previous study of 16 OTC melatonin supplements in Canada also demonstrated melatonin quantities that fell outside stated label claims (actual dose of melatonin ranged from 17% to 478% of the declared quantity).
Because OTC supplements are not regulated/approved by the FDA, it is important that clinicians are knowledgeable about supplement quality. Patients should be informed that OTC melatonin supplements may contain uncertain amounts of the target ingredient.
Citation:
Cohen PA, Avula B, Wang Y, Katragunta K, Khan I. Quantity of Melatonin and CBD in Melatonin Gummies Sold in the US. JAMA. 2023;329(16):1401–1402. doi:10.1001/jama.2023.2296
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