If you’ve been searching for melatonin gummies, kids melatonin, or browsing sites like iHerb for sleep solutions — you may have noticed the headlines: melatonin gummies have now been banned in Australia.
This decision has left many parents wondering what options are available to support their children’s sleep naturally, without relying on imported supplements that may not meet Australian safety standards.
We want to unpack what this ban means, why melatonin products for children are restricted in Australia, and — most importantly — what natural alternatives you can use to support healthy sleep in your family.
Why Were Melatonin Gummies Banned in Australia?
Unlike the US and other markets, melatonin is considered a prescription-only medication in Australia. That means products such as kids melatonin gummies found on online platforms are not legally sold here.
Recently tightened enforcement around melatonin gummies has come into force because:
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Dosing is highly variable (and often not labelled clearly).
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Long-term effects in children are under-researched.
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Potential side effects include drowsiness, headaches, and hormone disruption.
Put simply: the ban is designed to protect families from the risks of self-prescribing a hormone to children.
Natural Ways to Support Sleep in Children
Just because melatonin gummies are off the table, doesn’t mean you’re out of options. In fact, we can support the body’s own ability to produce melatonin naturally by focusing on nutrition, routine, and cofactors that play a key role in sleep regulation.
1. Protein-Rich Foods Before Bed
The amino acid tryptophan (found in foods like dairy, turkey, chicken, eggs, and pumpkin seeds) is a precursor to serotonin 1 , which the body converts into melatonin. Offering a small protein-rich snack after dinner can gently support this pathway.
2. Magnesium, Zinc and Vitamin B6
Magnesium, zinc and vitamin B6 are critical cofactors in the production of serotonin and melatonin 1 . Without adequate intake, the conversion process slows down, which may contribute to restless nights.
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Zinc-rich foods: red meat, legumes, pumpkin seeds.
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B6-rich foods: bananas, fish, poultry, wholegrains.
3. Check Iron & Ferritin Levels
Low iron stores — particularly low ferritin — have been strongly linked to sleep disturbances in children 2 . Iron plays a role in neurotransmitter balance, and deficiencies can contribute to restless legs, night waking, and difficulty settling. If your child struggles with ongoing sleep issues, it’s worth asking your GP or paediatrician to check ferritin levels.
4. Consider Saffron for Sleep Support
Emerging research shows that saffron extract may help improve sleep quality, mood, and relaxation in children and adults 3 . While it doesn’t replace good nutrition or bedtime routines, saffron can be a gentle, natural tool to support the body’s own sleep rhythms
5. Sleep Hygiene Matters
Nutrition is just one piece of the puzzle. Consistent bedtime routines, dimming lights at night, avoiding screens in the hour before bed, and keeping bedrooms cool and dark can all improve sleep quality without supplements.
Why Natural > Gummies
While melatonin gummies from overseas may look like a quick fix, they don’t address the root cause of why a child isn’t sleeping. By supporting their body’s own melatonin production with the right nutrients — and identifying any underlying deficiencies like low ferritin — you’ll create long-term improvements without relying on imported or restricted supplements.
Key Takeaway
Melatonin gummies are no longer available in Australia — but that doesn’t mean better sleep for kids is out of reach. By focusing on protein-rich foods before bed, cofactors like zinc and B6, and checking ferritin levels if sleep issues persist, you can help your child’s body naturally regulate melatonin production and achieve calmer, more restorative nights.
If you’ve been searching for “kids melatonin” or “iHerb melatonin gummies,” consider this your sign to take a natural, nutrition-first approach instead.
References
(1) Peuhkuri K, Sihvola N, Korpela R. Dietary factors and fluctuating levels of melatonin. Food Nutr Res. 2012;56. doi: 10.3402/fnr.v56i0.17252. Epub 2012 Jul 20. PMID: 22826693; PMCID: PMC3402070.
(2) Mila, M., Cecilia, A., Gracia, A., Antonio, M., Oscar, T., & Patricio, P. (2013). Evaluation of oral iron supplementation in pediatric maintenance insomnia. Sleep Medicine, 14(Suppl 1), e207–e208. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sleep.2013.11.496
(3) Sadat Rafiei SK, Abolghasemi S, Frashidi M, Ebrahimi S, Gharei F, Razmkhah Z, Tavousi N, Mahmoudvand B, Faani M, Karimi N, Abdi A, Soleimanzadeh M, Ahmadpour Youshanlui M, Sadatmadani SF, Alikhani R, Pishkari Y, Deravi N. Saffron and Sleep Quality: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials. Nutr Metab Insights. 2023 Jul 18;16:11786388231160317. doi: 10.1177/11786388231160317. PMID: 37484523; PMCID: PMC10357048.
(4) Lopresti, A. L., Smith, S. J., & Drummond, P. D. (2021). An investigation into an evening intake of a saffron extract (affron®) on sleep quality, cortisol, and melatonin concentrations in adults with poor sleep: A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-dose study. Sleep Medicine, 86, 7–18. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sleep.2021.08.001
