Overview

• Stiftung Warentest evaluated four melatonin gummy products for children in its July 2025 issue and issued a blanket warning against all of them.
• Researchers identified potential side effects including nightmares, dizziness, drowsiness, headaches and elevated blood sugar in young users.
• Laboratory tests revealed two products contained more melatonin than declared, with one exceeding the labeled dose by over 100 percent.
• Two of the supplements surpassed the Bundesinstitut für Risikobewertung’s recommended daily limit of 0.9 mg Vitamin B6, raising concerns about neurological harm.
• Experts advise parents to seek professional help if a child regularly takes more than 20 minutes to fall asleep and to focus on sleep hygiene strategies instead of supplements.