Is Melatonin Dangerous? What Are the Risks

 

Melatonin is one of the most popular ingredients in sleeping aid supplements. However, its constant use means some concerns about its safety and how often it should be used exist. When it comes to the body, melatonin isn’t just involved in sleep. Apart from regulating body temperature, blood pressure, and cortisol levels, this hormone is also important for sexual and immunological function. In this article, we will examine the dangers of using melatonin and the risks you may face by using it.

What Are the Side Effects of Melatonin

A few studies have looked into melatonin’s safety, and so far, it seems to be perfectly safe. Also, neither physical nor psychological dependence nor withdrawal symptoms have been reported.

Some doctors are worried that it will inhibit the body’s ability to produce melatonin. However, studies conducted over shorter periods have shown no evidence of such consequences.

General symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, headache, and agitation have been observed in multiple investigations. These were also common in the placebo group, indicating that melatonin was not to blame.

In the short term, even extremely high doses of melatonin supplements are considered to be harmless. More studies on its long-term safety, particularly in youngsters, are required.

Is Melatonin Good for Children?

While melatonin is a great sleeping aid, it has neither been approved nor disapproved by the Food and Drug Administration as safe to be used by children. However, there are different regulations in other countries. For instance, in Europe, people can only get melatonin supplements on a prescription basis for adults. Nevertheless, the uptrend in its use for kids continues to rise.

Despite the lack of any concrete safety concerns, many professionals are hesitant to advise giving this supplement to kids. This hesitation can be traced back to the incomplete knowledge of its far-reaching effects. Additionally, children, who are still growing, also fall into the category of “vulnerable.”

How to Effectively Use Melatonin as a Supplement

The standard recommended dosage for sleeping aid with melatonin is between 1 and 10 mg daily. The most effective dosage, however, has yet to be properly proven. However, since there is variation in the quality of various melatonin supplements, it is important to take them as directed.

It’s also important to remember that the government does not regulate the safety of over-the-counter supplements. If you can, choose from brands vetted and approved by an impartial organization like Informed Choice or NSF International.

In addition, you can pass on melatonin through breast milk. Thus, breastfeeding mothers should be aware that their infants may become sleepy throughout the day if they consume enough breast milk. Lastly, many specialists advise against giving children and teenagers melatonin pills until more research can establish their safety.