Parents across the UK are being urged to immediately stop giving their children Nutrition Ignition Kids Magnesium Glycinate Gummies after tests revealed the presence of undeclared melatonin—a prescription-only medicine—inside the popular supplement. The warning, issued on August 18, 2025, by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), follows mounting concerns about potential side effects and the lack of transparency around the product’s ingredients.
According to the MHRA, two separate batches of the gummies were found to contain between 1.5mg and 1.7mg of melatonin per gummy. This is significant, as melatonin is a hormone naturally produced by the body to regulate the sleep-wake cycle, but in the UK, synthetic melatonin is available only by prescription for adults and children over six years old who suffer from sleep disorders such as insomnia. The recommended starting dose for children is 1mg per day, making the amount found in each gummy notably higher than the standard initial dosage.
The Nutrition Ignition Kids Magnesium Glycinate Gummies were marketed as a food supplement intended to help children above the age of four with calm, focus, digestion, and even boosting the immune system. Magnesium glycinate, the main advertised ingredient, is often recommended for supporting muscle function, improving sleep quality, and regulating the nervous system. However, the discovery of melatonin—nowhere listed on the packaging—has thrown the safety of the product into question.
Melatonin, when prescribed and used correctly, has been shown to help children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), delayed sleep wake phase disorder (DSWPD), and short-term insomnia. While studies have not identified serious side effects in children taking prescribed melatonin, the hormone can cause headaches, drowsiness, dizziness, and nausea, particularly if consumed in excess. Other reported side effects include stomach aches, dry or itchy skin, and pain in the arms or legs. In rare cases, a serious allergic reaction is possible.
Dr Alison Cave, chief safety officer at the MHRA, emphasized the importance of immediate action. “We advise any parent or caregiver to stop use of this product and safely dispose of it,” Dr Cave said, as reported by ITV News. “Side effects such as headache, hyperactivity, a feeling of dizziness and abdominal pain have been reported in children when melatonin is prescribed and used for its licensed indications. No serious side effects were observed in studies in children.”
The packaging for the gummies recommended a daily dose of one to two gummies, meaning a child could easily ingest up to 3.4mg of melatonin per day—more than three times the typical starting dose for children. Yet, nowhere on the label was melatonin mentioned, a fact that has left many parents feeling blindsided. The MHRA has confirmed that melatonin was not listed on the packaging or in the product’s ingredients.
The issue first came to light after two mothers noticed their children falling asleep more quickly than usual after consuming the gummies. Concerned, they arranged for the product to be tested, which led to the discovery of melatonin. The MHRA was alerted and quickly moved to investigate, ordering the removal of the product from sale and issuing a public warning.
Nutrition Ignition, the brand behind the gummies, was owned by Sally Westcott, a Surrey-based NHS clinical therapy lead. According to The Guardian, Westcott was ordered to remove the raspberry-flavored gummies from sale more than a month before the public warning. She stated in June, “I have never knowingly sold products containing undeclared ingredients,” but has yet to comment on the latest MHRA findings.
In response to the MHRA’s findings, the Nutrition Ignition website has been taken down, and the gummies have been removed from major online retailers such as Amazon and eBay. The MHRA is continuing to work with online sellers to ensure all listings of the product are removed, aiming to prevent further accidental consumption.
Parents and caregivers are being advised to dispose of any remaining gummies at a local pharmacy and to keep the product out of reach of children until it can be safely discarded. The MHRA has also recommended that any adverse reactions or side effects be reported through the Yellow Card scheme, the UK’s official system for collecting information on medicine and medical device safety.
While the presence of melatonin at these levels is unlikely to cause lasting harm—since the body typically clears excess melatonin within 12 hours—the MHRA stresses that any child who experiences side effects should be seen by a healthcare professional. The NHS advises that if symptoms persist or fail to improve, parents should consult a doctor or pharmacist for further guidance.
This incident has shone a spotlight on the regulation of food supplements, particularly those aimed at children. Although magnesium glycinate is widely regarded as safe and beneficial for anxiety and sleep support, the unintentional inclusion of a prescription-only medicine raises questions about oversight and quality control in the supplement industry. The MHRA’s swift intervention and collaboration with online retailers underscore the importance of rigorous testing and transparent labeling, especially for products consumed by children.
For now, the message from health authorities is clear: Nutrition Ignition Kids Magnesium Glycinate Gummies should not be given to children under any circumstances. Parents are encouraged to remain vigilant about the supplements they purchase and to report any concerns to the appropriate regulatory bodies. As the dust settles, many are left wondering how such a lapse could have occurred—and what steps can be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.
As the MHRA continues its investigation and works to ensure the removal of the product from the market, parents are reminded to always check ingredient lists carefully and to consult healthcare professionals before introducing new supplements into their children’s routines. The hope is that greater awareness and stricter oversight will help restore trust in the safety of children’s supplements moving forward.
For families affected by this recall, the priority remains the well-being of their children—and the reassurance that swift action has been taken to protect them from potential harm.
