sleep-aid: Melatonin gummies can be off by up to 350%, warns new study

Melatonin gummies have become a popular sleep aid in recent years, touted as a natural way to help people fall asleep and stay asleep.

However, a new study warns that these gummies may not be as effective as people think, as they can be off by up to 350% in terms of the advertised dosage.

New study findings about melatonin gummies

Melatonin levels in gummies may vary. (Image via Unsplash/Slumber Sleep Aid)

Melatonin is a hormone that helps regulate the sleep and wake cycles by signaling to the body when it's time to sleep.

It's naturally produced in the pineal gland but can also be taken as a supplement. Melatonin gummies are popular, as they're easy to take and taste good, but new research shows that these supplements may not contain what they claim.

A study published Tuesday in JAMA found that 22 of 25 melatonin gummy products analyzed were mislabeled, containing more or less of the hormone than their labels indicated. The amounts varied widely, ranging from 1.3-13.1 milligrams per serving.

The researchers found that the actual quantities of ingredients in supplements varied by as much as 347 percent of what they were supposed to contain based on their labels.

Melatonin levels in gummies

It's important to do your research before buying sleep-aid gummies. (Image via Unsplash/Kinga Howard)

Apart from this finding, researchers also discovered that not all gummies are created equal:

Some brands contain more than one type of melatonin, while others contain none at all. That means you may be getting more or less than what you bargained for when you pop a few gummy bears before bedtime.

The findings point to a larger concern over the quality, safety and effectiveness of dietary supplements.

While there are no known health risks associated with consuming too much melatonin (or any other supplement), it's important to know exactly what's going into your body so that you can make informed decisions about how much is right for you.

How to choose the right melatonin sleep gummies

Melatonin is an important hormone that regulates sleep. (Image via Pexels/Andrea Piacquadio)

When you're shopping for melatonin gummies, it's important to keep in mind that not all brands are created equal.

There are a few things you should look for when selecting your favorite brand of melatonin gummies:

The amount of melatonin per serving and how many servings are in each bottle or pack.
Whether or not the product contains any additional ingredients (and if so, what they are)
Whether or not there's any research backing up the claims made by the manufacturer

While melatonin gummies may seem like a convenient and natural way to improve sleep, consumers need to be aware of the potential inaccuracies in dosage and other undisclosed ingredients.

By being vigilant and informed, individuals can make the best choices for their health and well-being.

About the author

Soniya is currently working as a content specialist for the Pop section at Sportskeeda. She previously worked as an Assistant Content Manager for the Health and Fitness section.

With a Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences and five years of writing experience, Soniya is driven by her passion for writing to pursue it full time. She is committed to creating content that is accurate, relevant, and ethical.

Soniya is very careful to check her facts, writes in a way that connects with her readers, and keeps a fair and private approach in her work. She excels in writing about artists, showing how their work fits into history and culture. This way, she gives readers a deeper and more interesting look at their stories.

Soniya’s favorite artists are Haruki Murakami and Sayata Murata. She likes Haruki Murakami because his books mix real life with magical stuff in a fun way. Sayaka Murata writes about normal things but in a way that makes you think differently. Both of their stories are easy to get into and stick with you long after you finish reading.

When not writing, Soniya loves to try out new art mediums to paint. The best part of her day, however, is to spend time with her orange tabby cat.

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Edited by Bhargav