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Melatonin
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Melatonin is secreted by the pineal gland
in the brain and is important in the regulation of many hormones in the
body. Among its key roles, melatonin controls the body's circadian rhythm,
an internal 24-hour time-keeping system that plays an important role in
when we fall asleep and when we wake up. Darkness stimulates the release
of melatonin and light suppresses its activity. Normal melatonin cycles
are disrupted when we are exposed to excessive light in the evening or too
little light during the daytime.
Melatonin is also one of the hormones that
controls the timing and release of female reproductive hormones. As a
result, melatonin helps determine when menstruation begins, the frequency
and duration of menstrual cycles, and when menstruation ends
(menopause).
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Insomnia
Although results are still controversial, studies suggest that
melatonin supplements help induce sleep in people with disrupted circadian
rhythms (such as those suffering from jet lag or poor vision or those who
work the night shift) and those with low melatonin levels (such as some
elderly and individuals with schizophrenia). In fact, a recent review of
scientific studies found that melatonin supplements help prevent jet lag,
particularly in people who cross five or more time zones.
Osteoporosis
Melatonin has been shown in laboratory studies to stimulate cells
called osteoblasts that promote bone growth. Given that melatonin levels
may also be lower in some older individuals such as postmenopausal women,
current studies are investigating whether or not decreased melatonin
levels contribute to the development of osteoporosis, and whether
treatment with melatonin can help prevent this condition.
Menopause
Melatonin supplements may benefit menopausal women by promoting and
sustaining sleep. Peri- or postmenopausal women who use melatonin
supplements to regulate sleep patterns should do so only for a short
period of time since long term effects, as indicated earlier, are not
known.
Depression
In one small study of 10 people with a particular type of depression
known as seasonal affective disorder (depressive symptoms that develop
during the winter months when exposure to light is lessened), those who
received
melatonin.
supplements
had significant improvement in their
symptoms compared to those who received placebo. Given the small size of
this study, however, more research is needed before conclusions can be
drawn regarding use of melatonin for either seasonal affective disorder or
any other type of depression. This is particularly true since one study
from the 1970s suggested that symptoms of depression may worsen when
taking melatonin.
Eating Disorders
Melatonin levels may play a role in the symptoms of anorexia. For
example, abnormally low melatonin levels may cause depressed mood in
people with this condition. However, it is not known whether
supplementation will change the course of the disease. Some researchers
speculate that low melatonin levels in people with anorexia may indicate
who is likely to benefit from antidepressant medications (a treatment
often used for eating disorders).
Breast Cancer
Several studies indicate that melatonin levels may be linked with
breast cancer risk. For example, women with breast cancer tend to have
lower levels of melatonin than those without the disease. In addition,
laboratory experiments have found that low levels of melatonin stimulate
the growth of certain types of breast cancer cells and adding melatonin to
these cells inhibits their growth. Preliminary laboratory and clinical
evidence also suggests that melatonin may enhance the effects of some
chemotherapy drugs used to treat breast cancer. In a study that included a
small number of women with breast cancer, melatonin (administered 7 days
before beginning chemotherapy) prevented the lowering of platelets in the
blood. This is a common complication of chemotherapy, known as
thrombocytopenia, that can lead to bleeding.
Prostate Cancer
Similar to breast cancer, studies of people with prostate cancer
suggest that melatonin levels are lower compared to men without cancer,
and test tube studies have found that melatonin inhibits the growth of
prostate cancer cells. In one small-scale study, melatonin (when used in
conjunction with conventional medical treatment) improved survival rates
in 9 out of 14 patients with metastatic prostate cancer. Interestingly,
meditation appears to be a valuable addition to the treatment of prostate
cancer. The positive effects of meditation may be due to a rise in levels
of melatonin in the body. Although these early results are intriguing,
more research is needed.
Cancer-related Weight Loss
Weight loss and malnutrition are of great concern for people with
cancer. In one study of 100 people with advanced cancer that had spread
throughout the body, those who received melatonin supplements were less
likely to lose weight than those who did not receive the supplement.
Sarcoidosis
Some physicians use melatonin to help treat sarcoidosis (a condition
where fibrous tissue develops in the lungs and other tissues). Two case
reports suggest that melatonin may be helpful for those who do not improve
from conventional steroid treatment.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
In a group of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, melatonin levels
were low compared to healthy individuals without arthritis. When treated
with the anti-inflammatory medication indomethacin, melatonin levels
returned to normal. The chemical structure of melatonin resembles
indomethacin, so researchers speculate that melatonin supplements may work
similarly to this medication for people with rheumatoid arthritis. This
theory has not been tested, however.
Epilepsy
Preliminary research suggests that melatonin reduces the number of
seizures in certain animal species and may reduce seizures in people with
epilepsy. However, not all experts agree with these findings. In fact,
concern has been raised that melatonin (1 to 5 mg per day) may actually
induce seizures, particularly in children with neurologic disorders.
Heart Disease
Low levels of melatonin in the blood have been associated with heart
disease, but it is not clear whether melatonin levels are low in response
to having heart disease or if low levels of melatonin predispose people to
developing this condition. In addition, several studies in rats suggest
that melatonin may protect the hearts of these animals from the damaging
effects of ischemia (decreased blood flow and oxygen that often leads to a
heart attack). It is not known from this information, however, whether
melatonin supplements may help prevent or treat heart disease in people.
More research and scientific information is needed before conclusions can
be drawn.
Supplement Facts:
100 Tablets (13 mg per tablet) - Melatonin 3 mg - Vitamin B6 10 mg
Suggested Use:
As a nutritional supplement for adults, take 1 tablet twenty minutes before bedtime.
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Serving Size
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Price
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Melatonin
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100 Tabs
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$15.95
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Medical Disclaimer
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The information and procedures
contained herein is not presented as medical advice nor should it
be used as a substitute for consultation with a qualified health
care practitioner. The information contained herein has not been
evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products and
the information set forth herein are not designed to diagnose,
treat, cure or prevent any disease nor should any information
contained herein be read as prescribing any specific remedy or
guaranteeing any specific result. We are not responsible for any
adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of any of
the suggestions preparations, or procedures discussed herein. All
matters pertaining to your physical health should be supervised by
a health care professional. |
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