Side Effects of Melatonin
Impact on Children
Melatonin’s safety for children is not officially endorsed by regulatory bodies like the Food and Drug Administration, leading to cautious attitudes among healthcare professionals. Despite being prescription-only in Europe for adults, its off-label use in children is on the rise. The hesitancy in recommending melatonin for young ones stems from the incomplete understanding of its broad effects and the vulnerability of the developing child. The necessity for comprehensive long-term studies is evident to ensure melatonin’s safety in pediatric use.
European research spotlighting unapproved pediatric use underlines the urgency for clear guidelines and further investigation into melatonin’s impact on children. The concern revolves around the potential alteration of natural developmental processes, emphasizing the need for careful consideration before incorporating melatonin into a child’s sleep routine. [2]