The best form is the one that your child tolerates and can safely swallow. Melatonin supplements are available in a variety of forms, including capsules, chewable tablets, gummies, and liquids. What’s the best form of melatonin for kids to take? Never give an infant melatonin unless under the direct supervision of a pediatrician or pediatric registered dietitian. Some may need a higher dose, but, according to the AAP, most kids should not need doses higher than 3–6 mg ( 8).Īlso keep in mind that melatonin supplements haven’t been found to be safe or effective for kids under age 1. However, children generally respond to doses of 0.5–1 mg, 30–90 minutes before bedtime. The AAP recommends discussing appropriate doses with your pediatrician before trying melatonin. It’s a good idea to schedule an appointment with your child’s pediatrician if you find that your child needs melatonin to sleep every night ( 8). Melatonin is recommended for only short-term use. liquid form that may be easier for some childrenįrequently asked questions Can kids take melatonin every night?.contains 1 gram of added sugar per serving.limited research on L-theanine for sleep in kids.can be difficult to find in stores and online.contains valerian root, which is not well studied in children.
Higher dose that may not be necessary for some kids LUNA Kids is vegan, non-GMO, and third-party tested for purity and potency. It’s worth noting that this product also contains xylitol, a sugar alcohol that is unsafe for pets and can cause stomach upset in people when taken in large amounts ( 13).
However, while it is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA, research on its use in children is limited ( 11, 12). Valerian root has also been found to promote sleep. Limited research suggests that lemon balm may help improve symptoms of anxiety and depression, though more research on its use for sleep in children is needed ( 10). In addition to melatonin, the supplement includes lemon balm powder, valerian root powder, and chamomile flower powder. It comes in a tropical berry-flavored chewable tablet that is naturally sweetened with stevia and is meant to be taken 30 minutes before bedtime. LUNA Kids is designed for kids 4 years and older and contains just 0.2 mg of melatonin, making it a great choice if your pediatrician recommends a low dose for your child. While no serious adverse effects have been observed at small doses, more research is needed on the long-term safety of melatonin supplementation in kids ( 9). Potential side effects of melatonin supplements include drowsiness the following morning and an increase in urination at night ( 1, 8).
Some products are suitable for children over age 1, though most are recommended only for kids over age 3 or 4.įinally, keep in mind that experts recommend trying other sleep interventions, such as developing a consistent bedtime routine, before giving your child a melatonin supplement ( 7, 8). It’s best to avoid giving infants melatonin unless under the direct supervision of a pediatrician or pediatric registered dietitian. However, there is not yet enough available research to determine an appropriate dose for kids based on age and severity of sleep issues ( 4).Īdditionally, no research currently supports the effectiveness and safety of melatonin supplements in infants. Some research has found melatonin to be both safe and effective for kids with sleep disorders and neurological conditions such as autism spectrum disorder ( 4, 5, 6).
0 kommentar(er)
