Allegations that workers at a church day care put an over-the-counter dietary supplement (Melantonin) in candy to help children sleep at nap time are under investigation, police said Tuesday. (The Associated Press)
Although the police did not give ages of the children,
CBS affiliate WKRC-TV in Cincinnati reports some workers from the Covenant Apostolic Church told police on Sunday that they saw fellow employees give the hormone melatonin to children as young as two months old.
Parents and guardians of children who attend the day care have recieved letters from police, informing them of the investigation, and advising them to contact their primary physicians with any concerns.
According to the Alternative Medicine Encyclopedia, Melatonin is a hormone produced naturally in the pineal gland at the base of the brain. It is important in regulating sleep, and may play a role in maintaining circadian rhythm, the body's natural time clock.... Medical experts caution that melatonin is not a harmless substance without risks.... The use of melatonin supplements became popular in the mid-1990s as a way of treating insomnia. Numerous scientific studies have supported this claim, although there are a few studies that cast doubt on its effectiveness.... Melatonin is not generally recommended for use on a regular basis since its long-term consequences are not known.
The proper dosage is not known, but it appears to differ greatly depending on the individual and extent of the sleep disorder.... Women who are on estrogen or estrogen replacement therapy should not take melatonin without consulting their doctor.... Also, women who are trying to get pregnant should avoid using it since some research suggests it may have a contraceptive effect. Studies in animals suggest melatonin can constrict blood vessels, which can raise blood pressure. Therefore, persons with hypertension or cardiovascular problems should consult with their doctor before taking the hormone. It is not recommended for people with lymphoma or leukemia, and should not be used by children.
Few studies have been done on the long-term effects or correct dosing of melatonin. In one study of melatonin, about 10% of patients said they experienced minor side effects such as nightmares, headaches, morning hangover, depression, and impaired sex drive.
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Comments
Wow, that is so scary! How could anyone do that to children?
It will be interesting to see how it turns out, I certainly hope all of the children that had melatonin placed in their food or drink are all doing well.
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