If you read melatonin’s enthusiastic press, you might get the impression that this hormone supplement is the miracle cure for disturbances of sleep. The problem is that many people are mixing up what the hormone does when it occurs naturally in the body, and what it might do if added from the outside. Having good information on melatonin of its natural function doesn’t guarantee that doctors know how a supplement would behave. In fact, the evidence about possible negative effects of the supplements is almost enough to make you queasy about using them to begin with.
The National Library of Medicine (NLM) is a good source of info on melatonin, and its discussion is sobering. The site agrees that melatonin supplements are generally considered safe for short-term use, but cautions that people should always talk to their doctor first before using them. As an example of some of the contradictory results of studies, the NLM mentions the adverse effect of seizures. Some studies report an increase in seizures, while others report a reduction. Other dangers, according to the NLM, involve a severe drop in blood pressure, meaning people taking blood pressure or anti-seizure medications are strongly cautioned to talk to their doctors and may be advised not to take the supplements at all.
There have certainly been studies done on these dietary supplements and their effects, but the conclusions aren’t always firm, sometimes for methodological reasons and sometimes because of sample sizes. Further tests have to be done, both to study the effects of a synthesized melatonin hormone and of a more natural version. Until more trustworthy information on melatonin is gathered, there will always be worries attending the use of these supplements.
A concern that derives from one particular piece of information on melatonin is universally shared, however. It doesn’t happen so much now, but the earlier melatonin supplements were made from pineal glands of cows, ground down and put into pills. Needless to say, after scares arose about spreading disease, a more natural treatment was sought. This demonstrates why a doctor’s advice should always be sought about using these unregulated supplements, so you can keep on top of the latest medical news about them.
Beth Kaminski is a leading expert in the help with panic attacks and has been publishing lots of information on the best anxiety disorder medication for years now.

May 29th, 2010
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