Herbs & Supplements

When should I be careful taking it?

Although melatonin may be given in hospitals to premature infants at risk of developing lung problems, the use of supplemental melatonin for children is not recommended. Because naturally produced melatonin has a role in the development of sexual organs, melatonin supplementation could interfere with normal sexual development.

In high doses, melatonin may hamper the ability to get pregnant by decreasing female fertility. Women who are trying to conceive should not take melatonin. Because it is not known how melatonin affects a pregnant woman or a developing fetus, supplemental melatonin should be avoided during pregnancy.

Melatonin is broken down in the liver, so individuals who drink large amounts of alcoholic beverages and those with known or suspected liver diseases should avoid taking it. If liver function is diminished, high levels of melatonin could build up in the blood, possibly leading to side effects.

Melatonin may promote both immune response and inflammation, making it inappropriate for individuals with autoimmune conditions. Various autoimmune conditions include:

• Crohn's disease
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
• Psoriasis
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
• Type 1 diabetes

Precautions

Some reliable evidence suggests that melatonin supplementation can worsen symptoms for individuals with depression. People who have depression or bipolar disorder should use it only with the supervision of a health professional.

Melatonin can cause drowsiness, so individuals who operate heavy machinery or perform other tasks that require alertness should avoid its use.

Women who are breast-feeding should avoid taking melatonin because not enough is known about its potential effects on infants.

In animal studies, melatonin has decreased the activity of the thyroid gland. Although similar effects have not been seen in humans, individuals with thyroid conditions should consult a doctor before taking melatonin.