Melatonin Background

PRODUCT INFORMATION AND LINK PAGE

DISCLAIMER: This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. BATORY A.M., Inc. makes no claims whatsoever as to any benefits of this product beyond its value as a dietary supplement.

PRODUCT INFORMATION: Name: QLIFE® 1-mg MELATONIN and 3-mg MELATONIN Dietary Supplement Tablets
Each tablet contains: 1-mg or 3-mg of synthetic pharmaceutical purity melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxy-tryptamine)and the following excipients: dibasic calcium phosphate, microcrystalline cellulose, starch glycolate, and magnesium stearate.
Directions: For mature adults to take by mouth one tablet at bedtime with a sufficient amount of fluid.
Warning: Use only at bedtime. Do not operate any machinery after use. Individuals under medical supervision with severe allergies, depressions, diabetes or other endocrine disorders, autoimmune disease or immune system cancers, pregnant or breast-feeding women, should consult their physician or health care professional prior to use of melatonin.
Regular use of Melatonin for any purpose only to be decided on advice of a health care professional.

What exactly is Melatonin?
We produce Melatonin abundantly throughout our early years. It is our natural night cap. A natural hormone, it is produced at night by the pineal gland. The release of Melatonin is stimulated by the dark and inhibited by the light. However, as we grow older the level of Melatonin released by our pineal gland decreases. Its release is regulated and responds to the amount of light hitting our eyes and keeps us in sync with the rhythm of the day. Hence its use to combat jet lag and quickly bring travelers into sync with their new time zone.

Is it safe?
Clinical studies to date indicate that there are no serious side effects and it is considered by some to have no toxicity whatsoever. However, the studies need to run a lot longer to firmly declare Melatonin to be one hundred percent safe. Claims that it is a 'Wonder Drug' have to wait until the full studies have been done and the results of continuous use of many years are in. Until that time if you have any doubts you should consult your physician or health care practitioner. You should certainly do so if you are under medical supervision or have severe allergies, depressions, diabetes or other endocrine disorders, autoimmune disease or immune system cancers. In addition, breast-feeding mothers and women trying to get pregnant, should definitely consult their physician or health care professional prior to use of this product. Children produce Melatonin in abundance and therefore it must not be given to CHILDREN EXCEPT WITH A PHYSICIANS ADVICE

For more information on the available Melatonin research see our Research section.

Are there any side-effects in taking Melatonin?
The most common side effect appears to be drowsiness during the first few days of taking Melatonin. In past studies, researchers have given people up to 600 to 3,000 times the usual doses of Melatonin - without causing any toxicity. Ten percent of those taking it under supervision complained of side effects such as vivid dreams, nightmares, headaches, morning grogginess, mild depression, and low sex drive. Side-effects normally last no more than one or two days. Should you decide to take Melatonin and experience side effects consult your physician.

Why is it considered to combat aging? Clinical studies with animals show that Melatonin increased their life span by up to 20%. They remained healthier and sleeker than the control batch who did not receive Melatonin. Studies on humans will, naturally, take a lot longer before claims can be verified. We have to get the results of a generation - 15 years plus - before claims can be made of Melatonin being an effective anti-aging agent. What is known is that it is an anti-oxidant - and retards the results of oxidizing which is a cause of aging. In addition, since the release of Melatonin slows down as we age, it is speculated that by supplementing the natural deficit of Melatonin as we grow older will retard the aging process.

Does it help in stressful situations? Unhealthy stress tends to increase oxidization in our bodies. The anti-oxidant nature of Melatonin would logically assist those of us who are highly stressed to cope better with the stress. Studies are underway but no claims can be made at this early stage.

Why take Melatonin?
Studies suggest that low-dose supplements of Melatonin can hasten sleep and ease jet lag, without the hazards or side effects of prescription sleeping pills. Melatonin may have many other uses and it has been reported to make people feel better, strengthen the immune system, and reduce free radicals in the body. The research are underway to determine Melatonin's effect as an anti-oxidant, immuno-modulator in cancer, or as a cure for delayed sleep-phase disorders, and jet lag. Tests are still under way so there is much to still be learned about Melatonin and its effects on the human body.