Parents have been told to stop giving their children a type of magnesium supplement due to the presence of a prescription-only drug in multiple batches.
The Nutrition Ignition Kids Magnesium Glycinate Gummies is marketed to parents for children aged four and above to assist with "calm, focus, and digestion".
However, after testing, the gummies were found to contain undeclared melatonin.
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If taken in excessive amounts, side effects may include headaches or hyperactivity
|MHRA
Melatonin is usually prescribed for those with specific sleep disorders for adults and children, with a starting dose of 1mg for children. The dosage can be increased to a maximum of 5mg before sleep.
According to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), two batches contained between 1.5 and 1.7mg of the prescription drug, which is often handed out to those with sleep problems such as insomnia.
If taken in excessive amounts, side effects from headaches to hyperactivity can rear their head.
Chief safety officer at MHRA, Dr Alison Cave, said: “We advise any parent or caregiver to stop use of this product and safely dispose of it.
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“Anyone who suspects that their child, or a child in their care, is having a side effect from this product is advised to stop taking it and speak to a healthcare professional and report it directly to the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.”
Side effects such as headache, hyperactivity, a feeling of dizziness, and abdominal pain have been reported in children when melatonin is prescribed and used for its licensed indications.
The gummies can be disposed of at any pharmacy
|GETTY
It's important to note that no serious side effects were observed in studies in children.
Long-term harm is not expected when melatonin is consumed in high doses. It is usually processed by the body within 12 hours.
Nutrition Ignition Kids Magnesium Glycinate Gummies are sold online as a food supplement for children.
However, the MHRA has now removed the product from sale and is working with retailers to remove all listings.
Parents have been instructed to store the gummies in a tamper-proof container safely out of reach of children until they can be disposed of at any pharmacy.