DESCRIPTION

Sublingual Melatonin, by Nutrition Dynamics^®, contain 3 mg of highest purity melatonin produced under strict pharmaceutical standards.  The natural vanilla-flavored tablets are sweetened exclusively with xylitol and mannitol which do not promote tooth decay.

FUNCTIONS

Melatonin is a natural hormone nutrient that is synthesized from the amino acid tryptophan by the pineal gland in the back of the brain.  Melatonin also occurs in small amounts in a variety of foods.  In the body, melatonin appears to regulate sleep/wake cycles, support normal immune function, and protect cells from free radical damage.
 

Most of the research on melatonin has focused on its role in maintaining normal sleep/wake rhythms.  The perception of daylight in the eyes is a signal for the pineal gland to inhibit melatonin synthesis and release.  At night or in the dark, the body’s melatonin production rises.  The rise in plasma melatonin is thought to be responsible for bringing on sleep.  Nocturnal melatonin production is highest in children and begins to decline from adolescence on until it is virtually absent in the elderly. 
 

Melatonin supports normal immune function by helping maintain the activity of circulating natural killer cells.  It also has been found to function as an antagonist for stress-induced immuno-suppression.
 

Melatonin is considered a potent antioxidant that enters all body cells to help prevent free radical damage.  In the brain, melatonin is perhaps the most important physiological antioxidant.  Due to its lipid and water-soluble properties, it can freely cross the blood-brain barrier.  In vitro studies show that melatonin is more effective than glutathione in scavenging toxic hydroxyl radicals, and also more efficient than vitamin E in neutralizing peroxyl radicals which can induce DNA damage.  Furthermore, melatonin stimulates the main antioxidant enzyme of the brain, glutathione peroxidase.

INDICATIONS

Sublingual melatonin may be a useful nutritional adjunct for individuals who wish to support the body’s pineal gland function.

FORMULA  (#SMEL)

Each scored tablet contains:

Melatonin............................................... 3. mg

SUGGESTED USE

As a dietary supplement, take 1 tablet before bedtime as needed or as directed by a physician. 
Tablets are scored to allow convenient administration of half dose increments.

SIDE EFFECTS

Warning:

Not to be taken by individuals under the age of 18. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking any prescription medication (especially hormone replacement therapy), or have an autoimmune or depressive disorder consult a physician before using this product.  Long-term use of melatonin has not been studied. Use of this product could cause hypothermia.  Do not use before or while operating a motor vehicle or heavy machinery.

HOW SUPPLIED

Supplied in bottles of 60 tablets, 1 mg each.  Packed 12 bottles per case.

STORAGE

Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct light.  Keep out of reach of children.

REFERENCES

Alvarez B, Dahlitz M, Vignau J, Parkes JD: The delayed sleep phase syndrome: Clinical and investigative findings in 14 patients. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 1992;55:665-670. 

Armstrong SM, Redman JR: Melatonin: A chronobiotic with anti-aging properties? Med Hypotheses 1991;34:300-309.

Beck-Friis J, Kjellman BF, Aperia B et al: Serum melatonin in relation to clinical variables in patients with major depressive disorder and a hypothesis of a low melatonin syndrome. Acta Psychiatr Scand 1985;71:319-330.

Bismar K, Morgensen L, Wetterberg L: Depressed melatonin secretion in patients with nightmares due to beta-adrenoceptor blocking drug. Acta Med Scand 1987;221:155-158.

Dahlitz M, Alvarez B, Vignau J et al: Delayed sleep phase syndrome response to melatonin. Lancet 1991;337:1121-1124.

Lieberman HR: Behavior, sleep and melatonin. J Neural Transm Suppl 1989;21:233-241.

Lissoni P, Barni S, Cattaneo G et al: Clinical results with the pineal hormone melatonin in advanced cancer resistant to standard antitumor therapies. Oncology 1991;48:448-450.

Maestroni GJM, Conti A, Pierpaoli W: Role of the pineal gland in immunity: Circadian synthesis and release of melatonin modulates the antibody response and antagonizes the immunosuppressive effect of corticosterone. J Neuroimmunol 1986;13:19-30.

Maurizi CP: The therapeutic potential for tryptophan and melatonin: possible roles in depression, sleep, Alzheimer’s disease and abnormal aging. Med Hypotheses 1990;31:233-242.

Petrie K, Conaglen JV, Thompson L, Chamberlain K: Effect of melatonin on jet lag after long haul flights. Br Med J 1989;298:705-707.

Petrie K, Dawson AG, Thompson L, Brook R: A double-blind trial of melatonin as a treatment for jet lag in international cabin crew. Biol Psychiatry 1993;33:526-530.

Waldhauser F, Weiszenbacher G, Tatzer E et al: Alterations in nocturnal serum melatonin levels in humans with growth and aging. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 1988;66:648-652.

Waldhauser F, Waldhauser M, Lieberman HR et al: Bioavailability of oral melatonin in humans. Neuroendocrinology 1984;39:307-313.