 What exactly is Melatonin?
"Melatonin
is the all-natural nightcap. It's secreted by the pineal gland, a pea-size
structure at the center of the brain, as our eyes register the fall of
darkness." At night melatonin is produced to help our bodies regulate our
sleep-wake cycles. The amount of melatonin produced by our body seems to
lessen as we get older. Scientists believe this may be why young people
have less problem sleeping than older people.
Why take it?
"Studies
suggest that low-dose supplements can hasten sleep and ease jet lag,
without the hazards or side effects of prescription sleeping pills."
Melatonin may have many other uses and has been reported to make people
feel better, strengthen the immune system, and reduce free radicals in the
body. Current research is underway to determine melatonin's effect as an
anti-oxidant, immune-modulator in cancer, delayed sleep-phase disorders,
and jet lag. Tests are still under way so there is much to still be
learned about melatonin and its effects on the human body.
Who benefits the most?
Travelers
and people suffering from mild sleep disorders. According to Newsweek, a
typical comment from discussion groups on the Internet is, "'Folks, I've
tried melatonin and it's great. It has ...restored my sleep cycle, given
me lots of energy.'"
What is
the recommended dosage?
The
appropriate dose can vary enormously from person to person, and successful
results have been achieved with dosages ranging from .1 mg (100 mcg) to
200 mg (200,000 mcg). "In controlled clinical studies researchers have
found that as little as a tenth of a milligram (100 mcg) makes dozing off
easier, whatever the time of day." Start off small (e.g. less than half of
a milligram) each night before bed-time, and work your way to larger doses
if needed.
What is
mg, mcg, and what is the difference?
mcg
and mg are units of weight, like ounces and pounds, but are applied
to tiny fractions of grams -
1
mcg = 1 microgram = one-millionth ( 1 / 1,000,000 ) of a
gram
1 mg = 1 milligram = one-thousandth ( 1 / 1,000 ) of
a gram = 1,000 mcg
A
1.5 mg tablet is five times the dosage of a 300 mcg (.3 mg) tablet.
How do
I best determine pricing value?
Remember
that cost per gram is not necessarily the best indicator. Splitting a pill
into two is difficult, and splitting it even farther into equal portions
is frustrating and almost impossible. The best way to judge value is to
determine the cost per coverage time. For example, a bottle of 100
tablets at the appropriate strength should last 100 days. If the bottle
costs $10.00, the price per day is 10 cents. (Cheap!)
Are
there any side-effects?
According
to one report, "10 percent of the users said the hormone did nothing for
them, and another 10 percent complained of side effects such as
nightmares, headaches, morning grogginess, mild depression, and low sex
drive. In past studies, researchers have given people up to 600 to 3,000
times the usual doses - without causing any toxicity."
What
additional benefits are there and how reliable are these
claims?
"In
test-tube and animal experiments, researchers have found that it protects
cells, strengthens the immune system and slows the growth of some tumors."
Tests with laboratory mice suggest that melatonin might also reduce the
effects of aging - but remember, these results are very
preliminary. "...Some experts are appalled to see so many people toying
with such a potent hormone. One concern is that high doses, while causing
no immediate harm, could have unknown long-term effects. 'Even one
milligram, the smallest commercially available dose, is at least three
times higher than the normal amount in the body.'" (Note: Worldwide Labs
supplies a 300 mcg dose.)
Should
certain people avoid it?
Yes.
"Those include women who are pregnant or nursing (since no one knows how
excessive exposure to the hormone might affect a fetus or infant); people
with severe allergies or autoimmune diseases (melatonin could exacerbate
such conditions by stimulating the immune system); people with
immune-system cancers such as lymphoma or leukemia (for the same reason),
and healthy children (who already produce it in abundance). Women trying
to conceive should also think twice about taking the hormone, since high
doses can act as a contraceptive." As with any substance introduced into
your body, if you have a medical condition you should always consult your
physician first before taking melatonin.
Will
melatonin extend my lifespan?
There
are no human studies to support this contention. In tests on both rats and
mice melatonin caused a significant 20% increase in their lifespan. If
melatonin does allow you to live longer and healthier it could do so
because melatonin may reduce free radical damage; stimulate an aging
immune system; protect the cardiovascular system; preserve a youthful
circadian rhythm; stimulate the production of growth hormone.
Will
melatonin enhance my sex life?
There
is no evidence to support this claim as it relates to humans. However, a
1995 rodent study suggests that taking small amounts of melatonin on a
regular basis may prevent the age-related decline in testosterone levels,
allowing men to be more active sexually in their later years.
Is
melatonin safe?
Melatonin
is one of the least toxic substances known. People have taken as much as 6
grams (600 to 3000 times the normal dosage) of the substance in carefully
monitored studies with no sign of toxicity. Only four complaints regarding
melatonin have been report to the FDA (USA's Food and Drug
Administration). The only consistent side effect of high doses has been
drowsiness and a slower reaction time. In the most extensive clinical
trial to date a high dose of 75 milligrams of melatonin per day was given
to 1400 women in the Netherlands for up to four years with no ill effects.
The FDA reports that in the more than two years melatonin has been
available for sale over-the-counter in the United States, no alarming side
effects have been reported.
When should the dosage be
administered?
Melatonin
should only be taken at nighttime, usually about thirty minutes prior to
going to bed. If you are traveling on a long trip you may want to take a
low dosage 300mcg tablet prior to getting on your flight and a 1.5mg pill
prior to going to bed. If you commonly sleep during the night, melatonin
should not normally be taken during the day - and vice versa - because
melatonin plays a role in setting the body's daily clock.
Does
melatonin have that morning-after hangover effect of sleeping
pills?
No.
You should normally wake up well refreshed and full of energy. If you wake
up feeling a little tired you should reduce your dosage until you wake up
feeling well refreshed. You will not have the hangover effect you may
experience with over the counter or prescription sleeping pills.
What is
pharmacy grade melatonin?
Natural,
animal, or bovine grade melatonin contains the actual
extracts of the pineal gland. Because it comes from animal tissue, this
grade of melatonin may be accompanied by viruses or proteins that could
cause an antibody response. We highly recommend that people stay away from
it.
The alternative is synthetic or pharmacy grade
melatonin, which is produced from pharmaceutical grade ingredients. This
form is molecularly identical to the melatonin that we produce in our own
bodies, without unwanted extras.
(All
quotations above are from Newsweek®, November 6, 1995, pages 60
through 63.)
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