Is melatonin supplementation safe?

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    Last Updated: May 16, 2025

    Supplementing with melatonin is generally considered safe; adverse effects are uncommon and mostly mild, though high doses have been used without serious issues. However, there are safety concerns related to its use in young children because some cases have led to hospitalizations and fatalities, and issues with supplement labeling and contamination have been noted.

    In an umbrella review of melatonin supplementation, reported adverse effects appeared uncommon, and were predominantly mild effects such as dizziness, nausea, headaches, and fatigue.[1] In some studies, doses as high as 75 mg have been used without any serious adverse effects reported.[2]

    It’s worth noting that there are some concerns regarding the safety of melatonin in young children and infants. In a report by the CDC, melatonin ingestion by children resulted in a number of hospitalizations between 2012 and 2021, including at least two infants who ultimately died.[3]

    Is melatonin supplementation safe? - Examine