On August 19, 2025, British health authorities sounded the alarm over a popular children’s supplement, warning parents to immediately stop giving their children Nutrition Ignition Kids Magnesium Glycinate Gummies. This urgent call to action came after tests revealed the presence of undeclared melatonin—a prescription-only medicine in the UK—inside the gummies, prompting swift regulatory intervention and raising new questions about supplement oversight and consumer safety.
The story began to unfold when the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) received reports and initiated testing on the gummies, which are marketed online as a food supplement for children. According to BBC and GB News, the product claimed to help reduce tiredness and boost the immune system, attracting parents looking for a gentle way to support their kids’ well-being. Magnesium glycinate, the supplement’s main advertised ingredient, is generally considered safe and is often used to help with anxiety and promote better sleep. However, the MHRA’s laboratory analysis of two separate batches revealed something far more concerning: each gummy contained between 1.5 and 1.7 milligrams of melatonin, a synthetic hormone used to treat sleep disorders.
Melatonin itself is a naturally occurring hormone in the human body, playing a crucial role in regulating the sleep-wake cycle. But the synthetic version, used in medications, is strictly regulated in the UK. It’s only available on prescription for adults and children over the age of six who suffer from sleep disorders such as insomnia. The recommended starting dose for children, when prescribed, is just 1 mg—significantly less than the amount found in each gummy. Even more troubling, melatonin was not listed anywhere on the packaging of the Nutrition Ignition product, leaving parents completely unaware of what their children were ingesting.
The packaging itself advised a daily dose of one to two gummies. This means that a child taking the maximum recommended amount could be consuming up to 3.4 mg of melatonin per day, more than triple the starting prescription dose for children. Such exposure, especially in young children without a medical need for the hormone, can have unintended consequences. As the MHRA explained, taking too much melatonin can cause a range of side effects, including headaches, drowsiness, dizziness, and nausea. There have also been reports of hyperactivity and abdominal pain in children prescribed melatonin for legitimate medical reasons, though studies have not observed any serious side effects in these cases.
Dr Alison Cave, the chief safety officer at the MHRA, issued a clear and urgent warning to families. “We advise any parent or caregiver to stop use of this product and safely dispose of it,” she said, according to BBC. “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.” Dr Cave also urged anyone who suspects their child may be experiencing a side effect from the gummies to stop using the product immediately and consult a healthcare professional. She encouraged reporting any adverse reactions directly to the MHRA through the Yellow Card scheme, which monitors the safety of medicines and medical devices in the UK.
The MHRA’s response was swift and decisive. Working closely with online retailers, the agency began the process of removing Nutrition Ignition Kids Magnesium Glycinate Gummies from sale. As of August 19, the product was no longer available through major online platforms, and the agency stated that it would continue to monitor the situation to ensure all listings were taken down. “The MHRA is working with online retailers to remove Nutrition Ignition Kids Magnesium Glycinate Gummies from sale,” the agency confirmed, as reported by BBC.
For many parents, the news came as a shock. The supplement, positioned as a gentle, natural aid, was never supposed to contain a prescription medication. The fact that melatonin was not declared on the label only heightened concerns about transparency and quality control in the burgeoning market for children’s supplements. In the UK, food supplements are subject to less stringent regulation than medicines, but the presence of a prescription-only ingredient like melatonin crosses a clear legal and ethical line.
Experts point out that while magnesium supplements are generally considered safe, the addition of melatonin—especially in doses above the recommended medical starting point—can have unpredictable effects, particularly in children. Melatonin’s role in the body is complex, and while it’s often seen as a harmless sleep aid, it is not without risks. Over-the-counter melatonin supplements are widely available in some countries, such as the United States, but in the UK, the hormone’s use is tightly controlled for good reason. The potential for side effects, drug interactions, and inappropriate use is real, especially when the product is not clearly labeled.
This incident has reignited the broader debate about supplement regulation, labeling, and the responsibilities of manufacturers and retailers. How could a product containing a prescription-only drug end up on the shelves and in children’s hands without proper disclosure? The answer, according to regulatory experts, lies in the patchwork nature of supplement oversight, where food supplements and medicines are often treated very differently. The MHRA’s intervention, while effective in this case, highlights the need for more robust, proactive monitoring of products marketed to vulnerable populations like children.
Parents and caregivers are now left with a clear directive: stop using Nutrition Ignition Kids Magnesium Glycinate Gummies, dispose of any remaining product safely, and remain vigilant about the supplements they choose for their families. The MHRA’s Yellow Card scheme remains open for reports of any suspected side effects, and healthcare professionals are on hand to provide guidance for any concerned families.
As the dust settles, this episode serves as a stark reminder of the importance of transparency, regulation, and trust in the products we give to our children. For now, British families are being urged to check their cupboards, heed the warnings, and wait for further updates from health authorities. The hope is that lessons learned from this case will lead to tighter controls and greater accountability in the supplement industry, ensuring that parents can make informed choices without fear of hidden dangers lurking in seemingly harmless gummies.
