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One expert says the sleep aid is "overused" by some families.
The new research shows 6% of kids aged 1-4 had received melatonin supplements in the last month; 18.5% of kids ages 5 to 9 took it, as did 19.4% of kids 10-13.
Melatonin overdoses in kids are on the rise. A top sleep expert on inaccurate labels and what parents should do before using these supplements with their kids.
Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone produced in the brain that is also used as a dietary supplement and medication. [ 9 ] [ 12 ] As a hormone, melatonin is released by the pineal gland and is involved in sleep–wake cycles .
Melatonin, an indoleamine, is a natural compound produced by various organisms, including bacteria and eukaryotes. [1] Its discovery in 1958 by Aaron B. Lerner and colleagues stemmed from the isolation of a substance from the pineal gland of cows that could induce skin lightening in common frogs.
Further, melatonin functions as a neuroprotective, pain-reducer, tumor suppressor, reproduction stimulant, and antioxidant. [5] Melatonin has an anti-excitatory effect on brain activity which is exemplified by its reduction of epileptic activity in children which is to say that it is an inhibitory transmitter. [5]