Melatonin as an Anti-Aging Remedy?
Claims that melatonin can slow or reverse aging are very far from proven. Studies of melatonin have been much too limited to support these claims and have focused on animals, not people.
Research on sleep shows that melatonin does play a role in our daily sleep/wake cycle, and that supplements, (0.1-0.5 mg) can improve sleep in some cases. If melatonin is taken at the wrong time, though, it can disrupt the sleep/wake cycle. Other side effects may include confusion, drowsiness, and headache the next morning. Animal studies suggest that melatonin may cause some blood vessels to constrict, a condition that could be dangerous for people with high blood pressure or other cardiovascular problems.
These side effects are important to keep in mind since the dose of melatonin usually sold in stores— 3 mg—can result in amounts in the blood from 10-40 times higher than normal. What long-term effects such high concentrations of melatonin may have on the body are still unknown. Until researchers find out more, caution is advised.
Source: National Institute on Aging. Available at: www.niapublications.org/engagepages/pills.asp.
Claims that melatonin can slow or reverse aging are very far from proven. Studies of melatonin have been much too limited to support these claims and have focused on animals, not people.You have reached your article limit for the month. Subscribe now to access this article plus other member-only content.
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