melatonin

How much Melatonin is right for you?

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Melatonin is produced naturally in our human bodies and is used to regulate our sleep/wake cycles. The pineal gland, which is located in the brain, manufactures melatonin each night, and this helps us to fall asleep. We abundantly produce this natural substance during our youth, but aging results in a steady decline, which may be why young people have less problem sleeping than older people. Currently, debates are raging as to how much of this supplement should be consumed and it appears that low-doses, i.e. a fraction of a milligram, to hasten sleep or to ease jet lag are appropriate.

Research began in 1958 when the melatonin molecule was discovered, but several years passed until increased attention was paid to this substance. In 1994, almost 1000 articles were published worldwide, due to increasing claims of its effectiveness as an antioxidant, its possible anti-aging benefits, as well as a fine product for those who have insomnia. Sales of this amazing hormone supplement are booming, as many recent articles and books have promoted benefits ranging from reducing cancer and heart disease to lowering cholesterol levels, etc.

However, a backlash against excessive melatonin hype is under way, as critics warn that doses indicated in some health food stores could raise the substance in the blood to 30 times higher than its normal peak, which would be dangerous for some people. Earlier claims for the hormones many benefits seems to have emerged from experiments conducted on rats and mice alone. Although current studies suggest low-dose amounts of melatonin can hasten sleep and reduce jet lag, comprehensive, long term testing on humans will prove its ultimate benefit. For now, small amounts are recommended.

Author Notes:

John Howat contributes and publishes news editorial to http://www.1st-nutritional-solutions.com. He is a retired businessman who advocates total health as an optimum lifestyle.

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