Taking away your OTC Melatonin: here's how they do it

When industry wants a lock on the market, they raise concerns about safety.

Case in point: today's report from Morning Brew on Melatonin. "Melatonin gummies give you more Zzzs than you asked for" screams the headline. 

The subtitle (of course) cites the new science: "A new study found that gummies often contain more of the hormone than is listed on the label."

Just wait for it - someone is bound to mention the "wild West" within weeks, if not days.

In this case, the FDA is playing right along. (Job security, right?)

"Industry reps and the FDA agree that the dietary supplement marketplace needs a regulatory overhaul. Current US regulations do not require supplement-makers to conduct clinical trials or obtain FDA approval before putting their products on the shelf."

Horrors. Heaven forbid the people might have to think or do trial and error for themselves. (Never mind that's the real scientific method, and incidentally, how most of us find what works for us.) And never mind the thousands who have found it helpful without having to schedule, visit, and pay for time with their doctor first. 

And then the kicker: regulators LOVE looking over the pond when it suits their purpose. "Meanwhile, in the EU, the UK, Canada, and elsewhere, melatonin requires a prescription."

So there you have it: the connection to state health policy.

After all, if melatonin is so dangerous, state legislators should be panting to pass a bill making it prescription-only. Because they must be hearing from all their melatonin-damaged constituents about this dreadful scourge.... right?

#crickets

Full report here. 

Bottom line:
Beware fearmongering headlines. They're out to make a buck, and take your healthcare freedoms along the way.