Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Melatonin is a hormone naturally produced by the pineal gland, primarily known for regulating circadian rhythms and sleep. Its use in aging prevention has some scientific basis, largely due to melatonin’s antioxidant properties and the observation that endogenous melatonin production declines with age. Experimental studies in animals have demonstrated that melatonin supplementation can reduce oxidative stress, modulate immune function, and even extend lifespan in some models. In humans, melatonin has been investigated for its potential to support healthy aging by mitigating age-related oxidative damage and improving sleep, which is often disrupted in older adults.

However, the evidence in humans remains limited. Some small clinical trials have shown improvements in sleep quality and subjective well-being in older adults, but robust, long-term studies demonstrating a direct anti-aging effect—such as increased lifespan or prevention of age-related diseases—are lacking. Meta-analyses and reviews suggest that while melatonin is relatively safe and may improve sleep and antioxidant status in older individuals, clear evidence for significant anti-aging effects is insufficient. Thus, melatonin’s role in aging prevention is scientifically plausible, but not yet fully validated by large-scale human studies.

In summary, the use of melatonin for aging prevention is supported by mechanistic and animal research, with some limited supportive data in humans. Its routine use for this purpose is not yet established by high-quality clinical evidence.

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Nature's Sunshine Melatonin Extra