Exploring the Hidden Benefits of Melatonin

by Chuck Steinmann

Melatonin is a well-known and inexpensive supplement that is available almost everywhere. Many people are familiar with melatonin as a sleep aid, but it has powerful effects that extend far beyond sleep.

Melatonin is released by the pineal gland at night, when the body is in darkness, and helps to regulate our circadian rhythm, or sleep-wake cycle. Many people use melatonin to assist the body in reestablishing this natural rhythm when it has been disrupted. According to Dr. Russell Reiter, melatonin researcher and author of Melatonin, this function makes melatonin a useful intervention for people experiencing insomnia, jet lag or the effects of shift work. Reiter recommends a dosage of 1 to 10 milligrams (mg) per night for this purpose.

Now for the surprising additional benefits.

Melatonin is the most powerful antioxidant produced by the body, exceeding even glutathione and superoxide dismutase. More than 95 percent of melatonin production takes place outside of the pineal gland, in cell membranes, mitochondria and other organs. A study published in the Journal of Pineal Research stated that melatonin is uncommonly effective in reducing oxidative stress under a remarkably large number of circumstances, and has been effectively used to combat oxidative stress and inflammation, and to restore tissue function.

Melatonin is a regulator of the immune system. According to a study published in the International Journal of Molecular Science, melatonin shows an immune-buffering response, meaning it can boost the immune system when underactive or suppress it when overactive. This makes melatonin useful for fighting chronic infections, reducing inflammation and overactive immune responses, and potentially even halting the spread of tumors. The recommended dosage for immune balancing is 10 to 100 mg nightly.

Melatonin has a positive impact on bone health. A review by Malakoti. published in Biochimie explains that through its influence on bone marrow stem cells and RANK-L, melatonin causes an increase in bone-building cells and a reduction in bone-resorbing cells, which can help keep bone turnover in balance as we age. The recommended dosage for bone health is 3 to 5 mg nightly.

Many people are concerned that supplementing with melatonin will interfere with their own body’s ability to produce it. According to Reiter in Melatonin, this is not the case. Melatonin production in the body is unaffected by supplementation.

An antioxidant, immune modulator, bone protector and sleep aid, melatonin is safe and affordable. A 3 to 10 mg nightly dose of melatonin can confer a host of protective benefits to keep us healthy and well-balanced for life. It can be a powerful addition to one’s healthy living toolbox.

Chuck Steinmann is a health coach and manager of OsteoStrong, in Wilmette. OsteoStrong Wilmette is located at 126 Skokie Blvd. For more information, call 224-487-8833 or visit Centers.OsteoStrong.me/illinois-wilmette. OsteoStrong Schaumburg is located at 195 W. Golf Rd. For more information, call 224-487-8881 or visit Centers.OsteoStrong.me/illinois-schaumburg.