The Institute for Optimum Nutrition
Melatonin is produced by the pineal gland, located within the brain. Levels of melatonin in the body fluctuate with the cycles of night and day. The highest melatonin levels are found at night. Melatonin is present in foods only in trace amounts.
Melatonin has been used in connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual health concern for complete information):
| Science Ratings | Health Concerns |
|---|---|
 |
Angelman’s syndrome (sleep disturbances only) Irritable bowel syndrome (for abdominal pain only) Schizophrenia (for sleep disturbances only) |
 |
Myoclonus Sarcoidosis |
 Reliable
and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit. Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies
suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit. For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal
or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support and/or minimal health
benefit. |
|
Although elderly people often have difficulty sleeping1 and melatonin supplements have been shown to improve sleep in the elderly,2 melatonin secretion does not appear to decline in healthy older adults to a significant degree, despite many preliminary reports to the contrary.3 Most of these preliminary studies failed to verify that older subjects were healthy and not using drugs that suppress melatonin secretion (e.g., aspirin, ibuprofen, beta-blockers). Routine replacement of melatonin in elderly persons is, therefore, not recommended.
Adults with insomnia have been shown to have lower melatonin levels.4 Frequent travelers and shift workers are also likely to benefit from melatonin for the resynchronization of their sleep schedules,5 though a melatonin “deficiency” as such does not exist for these people. Patients with heart disease have been reported to have low melatonin levels, but whether this abnormality increases the risk of heart disease or whether heart disease leads to the low melatonin level is not yet known.6 People with schizophrenia were found to have low melatonin output and experienced significantly improved sleep following melatonin replacement supplementation.7
Normally, the body secretes melatonin for several hours per night—an effect best duplicated with time-release supplements. Studies using timed-release melatonin for insomnia have reported good results.8 Many doctors suggest 1–3 mg of melatonin taken one to two hours before bedtime. Studies with people suffering from sarcoidosis or cancer have used very high amounts of melatonin—typically 20 mg per night. Such levels should never be taken without the supervision of a doctor. Melatonin should not be taken during the day.
Melatonin is associated with few side effects. However, morning grogginess, undesired drowsiness, sleepwalking, and disorientation have been reported. Researchers have hypothesized that certain people should not use melatonin supplements, including pregnant or breast-feeding women, people with depression or schizophrenia, and those with autoimmune disease, including lupus, at least until more is known.9 10
In one study, administration of 3 mg per day of melatonin for three months resulted in a marked decline in sperm counts and a decline in sperm quality in two of eight healthy young men.11 In one of these two men, sperm count and quality became normal after melatonin was discontinued. Although this was a small study, it raises the possibility that long-term use of melatonin could lead to infertility.
In a group of children suffering from neurological disorders, 1–5 mg of melatonin per night led to an increase in the rate of seizures despite the fact that sleep improved.12 Until more is known, children with neurological conditions should take melatonin only under medical supervision.
Many other side effects have been attributed to melatonin supplementation, including inhibition of sex drive, severe headaches, abdominal cramps, and formation of rudimentary breasts in men.13 14 However, these associations have not been supported by solid evidence.15 16 17 18 Since none of these claims have been well documented or independently confirmed, these problems may not have been due to melatonin.
Though most research reports that melatonin improves the quality of sleep, at least one trial has found that four of fifteen men given melatonin had their sleep patterns disturbed by supplemental melatonin.19
One case of painful gynecomastia (enlarged breasts) has been reported involving a 56-year-old man who had been suffering from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s disease), and was taking 1–2 mg melatonin per day for one and a half years.20 As the signs and symptoms disappeared after melatonin was discontinued, the authors of the report suspected that melatonin caused this side effect.
According to a preliminary report, blood levels of melatonin may be elevated in women with fibromyalgia.21 Data in this report did not indicate toxicity from melatonin, nor did the report suggest that melatonin causes or exacerbates the symptoms of fibromyalgia. It did suggest there is no current rationale for melatonin supplementation in people with fibromyalgia.
One-time oral administration of 1 mg of melatonin to post-menopausal women reduced glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity when tested 45 minutes after administration.22 This finding suggests that people with diabetes should use melatonin with caution and only under the supervision of a doctor.
Are there any drug
interactions?
Certain medicines may interact with melatonin. Refer to drug interactions for a list of those medicines.
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The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or chemist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications.
* General Disclaimer - Information and advice provided by The Institute for Optimum Nutrition is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. Anyone suffering from a condition that requires medical attention or has symptoms that concerns them, should consult a qualified medical practitioner.ION and its staff shall not be held responsible for any claims relating to illness or ailments that are deemed to have arisen as a consequence of reading any part, or all of the content provided on this website. The content is provided for general use and may be unsuitable for people suffering from conditions, diagnosed or otherwise. The Institute for Optimum
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