iHerb Stops Melatonin Gummy Sales to Australia After Child Overdose Surge
iHerb halts melatonin gummy sales to Australia over child overdose risk.
The US-based online retailer iHerb suspended sales of melatonin gummies to Australia following a surge in non-fatal overdoses among children in Western Australia, as reported by The Conversation. Data from WA’s Poisons Information Centre shows a 166% increase in overdose-related calls, from 175 in 2018 to 322 by August 2025, with nearly 90% involving children consuming these candy-like supplements.
Dr. Sarah Blunden, a sleep researcher and psychologist with over 20 years of experience, warns that melatonin gummies, marketed as a natural sleep aid, pose significant risks due to inconsistent dosing and lack of regulation, particularly for typically developing children.
Melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep, is approved in Australia only for children with ADHD, autism, or Smith-Magenis syndrome, and requires a prescription, as mandated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). However, in the US, melatonin is classified as a dietary supplement, allowing parents to easily purchase gummies online without medical oversight.
Studies reveal that melatonin levels in these products can vary drastically, ranging from nearly zero to four times the labeled amount, and some contain serotonin, which can affect mood and interact with melatonin. With no evidence supporting safe use in typically developing children and limited data on long-term effects or safe dosages, overdose risks are heightened, with symptoms including nausea, excessive sleepiness, and migraines.
The suspension by iHerb, praised by experts like Dr. Kyle Hoath of the Australian Medical Association WA, underscores the dangers of unregulated online purchases. In the US, melatonin gummies have been linked to hospital visits and seven suspected, though unconfirmed, child deaths. In Australia, the candy-like appearance of gummies increases the risk of accidental overdoses, as children may consume excessive amounts.
Dr. Blunden advises parents to seek medical guidance and explore behavioral sleep strategies, emphasizing that melatonin should not be treated as a safe, natural remedy. If a child is suspected of overdosing, immediate emergency care is critical. This development highlights the need for stricter regulations and greater awareness to protect children from the risks of non-prescription melatonin.
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