DESCRIPTION
Melatonin Sustained Release provides 6 mg of the hormone melatonin in a sustained release tablet. As a supplement, melatonin is useful for regulating sleep and the body’s daily rhythmic cycle.** Various factors may cause melatonin levels to become low, such as inadequate dietary intake of its precursor tryptophan, low levels of serotonin, normal aging, insufficient exposure to natural light, and certain medications. Due to melatonin’s relatively short half-life in the body, a sustained release formula may be more suitable for those who experience difficulty staying asleep through the night.
Available: 60 Capsules
CLINICAL APPLICATIONS
- Promotes healthy and deeper sleep
- Provides support for serotonin production
- Promotes a balanced and positive mood
- Supports normal appetite
OVERVIEW
Melatonin is a hormone with many functions. Most importantly it is involved in the control of the circadian (day/ night) biological rhythms. Melatonin mediates the body's response to variations of natural light availability from indoor/outdoor exposure or due to seasons (winter/summer). Darkness into the eye tells the brain to make melatonin so the body can prepare for sleep mode. Its production should peak at night. This important hormone also regulates immunity, the stress response, and some aspects of the aging process, including growth hormone production. In addition, melatonin is a very potent antioxidant that easily penetrates the cell membranes and even binds and protects the nuclear DNA.1 This necessary hormone is synthesized in the human body, mostly in the brain, by the pineal gland from precursors as shown below:
Tryptophan → 5-HTP → Serotonin → Melatonin
The synthesis steps depicted above require cofactors such as vitamin B6, SAMe, iron and THB (tetrahydrobiopterin), a folate-derived compound. Other cells in the body, such as immune cells, synthesize small amounts of melatonin as well. Melatonin production declines significantly with age, due to various causes such as pineal calcification, possibly inadequate brain tissue function and sensitivity, and other unknown factors.
INGREDIENT BENEFITS
Melatonin
Supplemental melatonin was shown in studies to help with falling asleep when taken about 20 minutes before the desired sleep time. It has a plasma half-life of 30-60 minutes from the time it is absorbed in the bloodstream. When using melatonin for sleep enhancement, additional synergistic nutrients may be beneficial to counteract excessive stress: Taurine and GABA reduce the effects of the stress hormones, such as adrenaline, while omega-3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA) reduce the production of the hormones cortisol and adrenaline in response to mental stress.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Suggested Use: As a dietary supplement, adults take 1 tablet per day twenty minutes before bedtime, or as directed by your health care practitioner.
Does not Contain: Gluten, dairy, soy, animal products, GMOs.
Caution:
Conditions For Which Melatonin is Not Recommended
- Autoimmune conditions such as lupus or arthritis, because the immune stimulatory effect of melatonin may exacerbate the action of certain types of lymphocytes or B-cells involved in the pathogenic course of these diseases
- Immune-related cancers such as lymphoma and leukemia
- Pregnancy, lactation or during the time where fertility is desired
Interactions With Drug Therapy
Melatonin may not be suitable to administer along with MAO inhibitors and corticosteroid therapy.