Are Melatonin Gummies Accurately Labeled?

Table of Contents

Quick answer

Often they are not. A 2023 study in JAMA tested melatonin gummies sold in the US and found that the amount of melatonin in most products did not match the label, with some containing far more than listed. If you use melatonin, choosing a brand with independent testing and talking with a provider about your sleep routine is a sensible approach.

Key takeaways

A recent study found that most melatonin gummies tested did not match the amount listed on the label, and some contained far more.

Melatonin is sold as a dietary supplement in the US, so products are not checked for accuracy before they reach the shelf.

Looking for third-party testing and choosing the lowest amount that fits your needs are simple ways to shop more carefully.

Melatonin gummies are one of the most popular sleep products in the country, and many households keep them in the kitchen cabinet. It is worth knowing what is actually in the bottle.

What did the 2023 study find?

Researchers led by Dr. Pieter Cohen bought 25 melatonin gummy products and measured what was inside. They reported that most did not contain the amount listed on the label. Several had much more melatonin than stated, and at least one had none that could be detected. Some products labeled as containing CBD also had amounts that differed from the label.

Why does this matter?

In the US, melatonin is sold as a dietary supplement, so products are not tested before they reach the shelf. Gummies can also look and taste like candy, which matters in homes with children. Keeping them out of reach is an important safety step.

What should I look for in a sleep supplement?

Look for brands that publish third-party testing, choose the lowest amount that fits your needs, and check with your provider if you take other medications. Many people also find that their sleep routine, light exposure, and evening habits matter as much as any supplement.

How do I figure out which sleep supplements fit me?

My free Supplement Match quiz takes a couple of minutes and suggests where to focus based on your goals and routine, so you are not guessing.

Not sure where to start? The free quiz takes about two minutes.

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Questions to bring to your clinician

These questions can help you get the most out of your next visit.

Is melatonin a good fit for my sleep, and how can I choose a product I can trust?

Could a melatonin product interact with any of my current medications or other supplements?

Would any labs or health history details help us decide whether a melatonin product makes sense for me?

How would we tell whether a melatonin product is a good fit for me, and when should we check in again?

Practitioner-grade options in my Fullscript catalog: if you and your clinician decide a supplement makes sense, my supplement guide by health goal links to the practitioner-grade products I trust.

Frequently asked questions

Do melatonin gummies contain the amount on the label?

A 2023 JAMA study found that most melatonin gummies tested did not match their labels, and some had much more than listed.

Are melatonin gummies safe for kids?

Gummies can look like candy, so keep them out of reach of children and talk with your child’s provider before giving any sleep supplement.

How can I choose a better-quality melatonin product?

Look for brands with independent third-party testing and ask your provider what amount fits your situation.

Sources

  1. Cohen PA, et al. Quantity of melatonin and CBD in melatonin gummies sold in the US. JAMA. 2023. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37097362/

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This page shares general educational information and is not medical advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Talk with your healthcare provider before starting a supplement, especially if you take medications, are pregnant or nursing, or have a health condition.


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Disclosure: I earn a margin on some products purchased through my Fullscript store, and I only recommend products I would use in my own practice.

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