Pharmaceutical order alerts about improper use of melatonin in children without prescription and the supervision of food supplements.
The Order of Pharmacists (of) warned on Wednesday to the improper use of melatonin in children No prescription and advocated greater supervision of food supplements available on the market to ensure that none proposes its use in minors.
The of Emitted a position in which it appeals to the fulfillment of an opinion of the 2016 Infarmed, which clarifies the border between medicines and dietary supplements containing melatonin, the so -called Hormona do areestablishing conditions for its safe and responsible use.
The opinion, elaborated in collaboration with the General Directorate of Food and Veterinary, defines that food supplements should not have melatonin contents of more than 1 mg (daily take) and are not intended for children.
“O udietary supplements is not suitable for the treatment of insomnia in the pediatric population”, Highlights of, joining alerts made by pediatricians and the College of Pediatrics of the Order of Doctors, which argues that the law on food supplements with melatonin is needed.
Speaking to the Lusa Agency, the Bastonary of of, Helder Mota Filipe, argued that “ Tighten the supervision of food supplements that are available on the market and ensure that None of them propose use in children”.
On the other hand, he advocated, there must be “a greater awareness of parents ” and one “Increased literacy” regarding the use of melatonin.
For the president, these are important aspects, “because it is the safety of children who are concerned and the good use of melatonin, either as a medicine or as a food supplement.”
Melatonin has therapeutic indication in sleep changes, especially in children and adolescents with insomnia associated with autism spectrum disorders and hyperactivity disorder with attention deficit, with drugs approved with this indication.
“In these cases, there are studies that show that melatonin can have beneficial effects, but in the context of medical supervision and other psychological or psychiatric interventions,” said Helder Mota Filipe.
Nas children who do not have this kind of problems“Use of melatonin seems to have no major effect on sleep changes or disturbances,” he said, stressing that “it is important” parents to have this notion.
When marketed as a food supplement, melatonin does not require a prescription, being available in various shapes, such as tablets, capsules, gums, gums, and can be purchased in pharmacies, parapharmacies and supermarkets.
Advanced data to Lusa by the National Pharmacy Association (ANF) estimate a growth of packaging sales In community pharmacies in the last five years, pointing out that in 2024, an increase of 16.4% compared to 2023.
According to extrapolated data from the Health Market Research, analyzed by the Center for Health Studies and Evaluation of ANF, this growth is in the segment of medicines (38.9%) and health products (13%).
Asked if there is an increase in the demand for these products by young people, the ANF reported not having this data, but stressed that “are not intended for children, except if under medical supervisionAnd that there is “a clear concern in the opinion” of Infarmed with these age groups.
Off argues that pharmacists should provide parents and caregivers the best counseling about the correct use of medicines and supplements containing melatonin.
Regarding this issue, ANF also highlights the importance of reinforcing health literacy, stressing that the use of melatonin “should be framed in a broader understanding of sleep habits, sleep hygiene and early identification of signs and symptoms of disturbances such as anxiety and depression.”
Helder Mota Filipe warned that “the purpose of dietary supplements is not to treat anything, nor prevent any illness,” but “supplementary diet when it is considered that the diet is poor in certain nutrients and can supplement with food supplement.”
“Therefore, Who uses food supplements to find that they are treating or preventing disease is using poorlyin a low way, and with wrong expectations regarding supplements, ”he said, commenting that“ it is money lying on the street ”.
