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BfR Consumer Monitor: The majority of Germans are aware of the "sleep hormone" melatonin, but many are sceptical

32/2024, 31.10.2024

The BfR Consumer Monitor is a central instrument of consumer health protection. As a representative population survey, it provides answers every six months to the question of what the public thinks about consumer health protection issues. The substance melatonin was a topic in the BfR Consumer Monitor for the first time. The body's own "sleep hormone" is available as a prescription-only medicine and in over-the-counter food supplements. Melatonin is said to promote sleep. But how well known are melatonin supplements to the general public?  The survey revealed that 56 per cent have heard of them. "Among those who are familiar with melatonin-containing food supplements, opinion is divided," explains BfR President Professor Andreas Hensel. "Half have reservations, the other half don't. In principle, the use of melatonin-containing food supplements as a sleep aid should be viewed with caution."

Link to the Consumer Monitor:

https://www.bfr.bund.de/cm/364/bfr_consumer_monitor_08-2024.pdf

For the first time since August 2022, the assessment of UV filters in sunscreens was also surveyed again. Such products can protect the skin with UV filters by either converting the sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation into heat or absorbing, scattering and reflecting UV radiation. 81 per cent have heard of the topic, slightly less than two years ago. However, the assessment of perceived concern about UV filters hardly differs from the previous figure and remains comparatively low.

"What do you think are the biggest health risks when it comes to everyday life, such as food, personal care products, clothing or toys?" Public opinion is consistent when it comes to this open question. As a rule, undesirable substances (such as "chemicals" or "harmful substances", 33 per cent of responses) are mentioned most frequently. This is followed by plastics (17 per cent), additives in food (12 per cent) and certain nutrients such as fat, sugar or salt (11 per cent).

"How concerned are you personally about the following consumer health issues?" The topic of "microplastics in food" (68 per cent very concerned, 16 per cent moderately concerned) leads the list of possible answers, followed by "antibiotic resistance" (62 per cent and 14 per cent) and "residues of plant protection products in food" (52 per cent and 18 per cent). Here too, the views of the respondents are largely unchanged.

About the BfR

The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) is a scientifically independent institution within the portfolio of the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) in Germany. The BfR advises the Federal Government and the States (‘Laender’) on questions of food, chemicals and product safety. The BfR conducts independent research on topics that are closely linked to its assessment tasks.

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