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Melatonin |
Melatonin is secreted by the pineal gland, a small organ set behind and between the eyes. It affects many organs including the thymus, the pituitary, and the hypothalamus. Melatonin plays a major role in setting the body's internal clock and is vital for sleep. Melatonin is also important for the functioning of the immune system.* Chen et al found that rats fed a diet supplemented with melatonin showed an increase in the production of interleukin-2 (a chemical messenger called a cytokine that can improve the body's natural response to disease), and thymocytes (cells that mature to become T-lymphocytes, which are responsible for attacking infectious invaders.) The results of this study also showed that melatonin suppresses an inflammatory response that causes arthritis in rats.* Maestroni found that melatonin administered to lab animals enhances the release of Th1 cells (helper cells that coordinate the immune response to infectious agents). While in humans, Maestroni observed that melatonin enhances the production of interleukin-6 (a chemical messenger called a cytokine that activates B-lymphocytes, which secrete antibodies in response to infectious agents.)* Taken together, these findings suggest that melatonin plays a role in mounting the proper immune defense when an organism is exposed to infectious agents.* |
Side Effects:
Melatonin causes sleepiness, so it should be taken only at bedtime. At high doses, it may increase depression and psychosis in people already suffering from these disorders. Women who are pregnant or are trying to become pregnant, children, and people with cancer, Hodgkin's disease, leukemia, lymphoma, or multiple myeloma should not take melatonin supplements. It is advised that men who have prostate cancer should not take more than 3 mg of melatonin per night, if at all. | Recommended Dosage:
Therapeutic doses range from 0.5 to 5 mg per day. | Supplement Facts:
View Ingredients (10 mg)
View Ingredients (3 mg)
View Ingredients (750 mcg)
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| Serving Size: 1 Capsule |
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| Amount Per Serving | % Daily Value |
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| Melatonin | 10 | mg | * |
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| *Daily Value not established |
Other Ingredients:
Microcrystalline cellulose and Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (Vcap).
Contains no added starch, salt, wheat, gluten,
corn, coloring, or dairy products.
Keep container tightly closed in a cool, dry and dark place. Keep out of reach of children. |
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| Serving Size: 1 Capsule |
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| Amount Per Serving | % Daily Value |
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| Melatonin | 3 | mg | * |
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| *Daily Value not established |
Other Ingredients:
Microcrystalline cellulose and Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (Vcap).
Contains no added starch, salt, wheat, gluten,
corn, coloring, or dairy products.
Keep container tightly closed in a cool, dry and dark place. Keep out of reach of children. |
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| Serving Size: 1 Capsule |
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| Amount Per Serving | % Daily Value |
|
| Melatonin | 750 | mcg | * |
|
| *Daily Value not established |
Other Ingredients:
Microcrystalline cellulose and Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (Vcap).
Contains no added starch, salt, wheat, gluten,
corn, coloring, or dairy products.
Keep container tightly closed in a cool, dry and dark place. Keep out of reach of children. |
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| Related Articles:
Melatonin and Health
Melatonin for Treatment of Sleep Disorders
The use of melatonin as an alternative to sedation in uncooperative children undergoing an MRI examination.
Use of melatonin in the treatment of paediatric sleep disorders.
Melatonin for Sleep Disturbances
Melatonin - The Sleep Master
Autism and Melatonin |
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| These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The entries appearing on LexMD.com website are for consideration in optimizing an individual’s overall immune function. Always consult your physician prior to beginning any new program or therapy. |
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