You have sleep problems and you take dietary supplements containing melatonin ? Attention, they are not made for all audiences, and the information is not always available on the packaging, alerts the General Directorate for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Prevention (DGCCRF).
We often tend to think that a food supplement can’t do any harm… And yet, this is not the first time that concerns have been raised about tablets, which should not be used wrongly and through, and especially not by just anyone. The latest example is those based on melatonin, supposed to help sleep. After investigating about 50 products, the DGCCRF alerted to the fact that recommendations for susceptible populations were insufficient.
Not for everyone, not at any dose
If they can be useful to help find a sleep rhythm, especially in case of jetlag, they are not recommended in some cases. Children should not consume them, including at adolescent age, certain chronic diseases do not mix well with these products, such as epilepsy or asthma. Finally, pregnant women should not consume them.
The other concern with these pills is the mixture they contain. ANSES has made recommendations as to their composition, it has prescribed that melatonin not be mixed with other active components. And this is nevertheless the case, notes the DGCCRF.
Moreover, the melatonin level indicated according to the problem to be treated is not specified on the boxes. ANSES had recommended 1 milligram to improve sleep and 0.5 milligrams in case of jetlag. In any case, do not exceed 2 milligrams per dose.
