Is Melatonin Banned in the UK?

Melatonin Status In the UK – A Quick Overview

Melatonin is not banned in the UK. However, it is not sold as a food supplement. In the UK, melatonin is classified as a Prescription Only Medicine (POM) by Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). This means it can only be obtained from a pharmacy after presenting a legal prescription issued by a qualified prescriber. This is the reason you won’t find melatonin in the health shops or supermarkets in the UK.

Why Melatonin Is Treated Differently in the UK

Many people ask whether melatonin is banned in the UK because it is not available over the counter. The UK medicines regulatory agency made a decision to treat melatonin as a medicine rather than a supplement.

Melatonin was reclassified in the mid-1990s because it is a hormone, not a vitamin or a dietary supplement. UK medicines regulator has taken a more cautious approach regarding melatonin and you will find out the reasons for this below.

Melatonin Is a Hormone, Not a Nutrient

There is a common misconception that melatonin is a vitamin or nutritional supplement. This is not the case. Melatonin is a hormone that plays a role in regulating the body’s internal clock. Because of this, in the UK it is generally supervised by a specialist rather than self-managed. Another reason is that sleep problems can sometimes be linked to other underlying issues. Using melatonin without expert medical advice and assessment may delay the identification of those issues.

Concerns Around Long-Term Use

One reason melatonin remains prescription-only is potential risks associated with long-term use, particularly in younger people. In children and adolescents, specialists usually oversee its use to ensure it is appropriate.

Quality and Dosage Control

In countries where melatonin is sold as a supplement, independent testing has shown that some melatonin products contain significantly more or less melatonin than stated on the label.

By classifying melatonin as a prescription only medicine, it ensures that:

• Each product meets strict manufacturing standards
• The stated dose is accurate
• The product is consistent from batch to batch

Interactions With Other Medicines

According to published data, melatonin can potentially interact with other medications such as blood thinners, certain epilepsy medicines, and some diabetes medicines. This is another reason why, in the UK, melatonin is generally prescribed under the care of a medical specialist.

How Melatonin Can Be Accessed Legally in the UK

Melatonin is not available over-the-counter. It can only be prescribed after a careful assessment, generally by a specialist. On the NHS, melatonin is commonly prescribed for children with long-term sleep issues or for short-term use in older adults

Why Melatonin Is Easy to Buy Elsewhere

Different countries regulate supplements and medicines differently. In the US, melatonin is sold as a dietary supplement, so it does not go through the same formal approval and licensing process as medicines. In the UK, melatonin is classified as a prescription‑only medicine and regulated by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), meaning it cannot legally be sold as an over‑the‑counter supplement. This approach is intended to ensure patient safety and to provide patient centred care.

Key Takeaway

Melatonin is legal in the UK, but it is not classified as a supplement. Instead, it is treated as a medicine to ensure quality, consistency, and appropriate oversight.

This approach reflects the UK’s broader focus on patient safety rather than accessibility when it comes to hormone-based products.

Educational Disclaimer This article strictly is for educational purposes only. It does not offer any sort of personal medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding any health concerns.