Can melatonin be bought over the counter in UK?

Melatonin is not available for sale OTC in the UK; it requires a prescription for dispensing. Superdrug offers a very helpful herbal sleep aid containing valerian called Quiet Night, available with vitamins and herbal aids.

When was melatonin banned in the UK?

Until 1995 the sleep aid melatonin was sold in health food shops as a nutritional supplement, but then it was classed as a medicine and is now only available on prescription in the UK.

Can you buy melatonin with OTC?

Melatonin is sold over the counter (OTC) in health food stores and drug stores in the United States. Like other dietary supplements, it’s regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, it’s not approved for certain uses. Because of this, its purity, safety, and success can’t be guaranteed.

Why don’t they sell melatonin in the UK?

In some countries, melatonin is available to buy in health food shops or online. It is sold as a complementary medicine and comes as “immediate-release” capsules, tablets or a liquid that your drink. However, these supplements are not authorised for sale in the UK. Melatonin is a prescription-only medicine in the UK.

What is melatonin called in the UK?

Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone produced by the brain. It is involved in regulating a person’s body clock and helping to regulate sleep patterns. Just 1 melatonin product, called Circadin, is licensed for use in the UK.

How can I get melatonin naturally?

Foods With Melatonin

1. Tart Cherries. Tart cherry juice is one of the best-known sleep aids.
2. Goji Berries. Produced by a plant native to China, goji berries have been touted for their anti-aging effects.
3. Eggs. Among animal products, eggs are one of the best sources of melatonin.
4. Milk.
5. Fish.
6. Nuts.

Why is melatonin illegal in the UK?

– In the UK, the Medicines Control Agency has banned the high-street sale of melatonin after it was decided the compound was “medicinal by function,” and as such requires a drug license. The MCA has written to all relevant suppliers, which comprise mainly health food shops, ordering them to stop selling the product.

What is the most effective natural sleep aid UK?

If you require a little extra help to get a good night’s sleep, consider trying the following 9 natural sleep-promoting supplements.

1. Melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone that your body produces naturally, and it signals to your brain that it’s time to sleep ( 7 ).
2. Valerian root.
3. Magnesium.
4. Lavender.
5. Passionflower.
6. Glycine.

Can you buy melatonin in Europe?

OTC melatonin has been banned for years in the United Kingdom (UK), European Union, Japan, Australia and most recently Canada. Exogenous melatonin is not outlawed by these countries but regarded as a medicine, available only by prescription.