Now Foods

Melatonin

• Restores a normal circadian rhythm
• Safe alternative for soporifics
• Beneficialy influences cognitive functions
• Supports the digestive system
• Fights jet lag
• Neuroprotective effects
• Non-addictive
• Boosts immunity
• Reduces IBS symptoms
• Potent antioxidant
• Helps with insomnia
• Reduces sleep latency
• Improves sleep quality

Now Foods Melatonin is a dietary supplement which contains melatonin. It has gained popularity as a agent promoting a normal circadian rhythm and supporting sleep. Nonetheless, it has a huge impact on other health aspects.

Melatonin is an organic chemical compound which is synthesised from tryptophan. It is produced and released mainly in pinealocytes in the pineal gland. It is also produced in large quantities by enterochromaffin cells of the gastrointestinal mucosa.

The production of melatonin is cyclical and depends on the time of day. Because of that, the substance is treated as an endogenous regulator of the circadian rhythm. In addition, studies show that it has enormous antioxidant and neuroprotective potential. Melatonin has been also shown to positively influence memory and cognitive functions. Recent research focuses on the use of melatonin in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Impact of melatonin on sleep
Melatonin regulates the circadian rhythm and thus aids a good sleep. Importantly, it does not only have a soporific effect. It rather sends a signal to the body at night that it is time to sleep. Low melatonin levels lead to sleep disorders – most frequently difficulties falling or staying asleep. They can be observed in the elderly in whom melatonin synthesis is ineffective due to progressive calcification of the pineal gland.

Not only does melatonin reduce sleep latency, but it also positively influences sleep quality. It acts on the MT1 and MT2 receptors which are responsible for specific sleep phases, including NREM and REM. Its users usually declare that after taking melatonin they have a deeper sleep and wake up feeling more refreshed and rested.

Melatonin is not only a good solution for individuals with a normal daily rhythm. It is also recommended to individuals who work night shifts or change time zones. The biological clock in these persons is usually disturbed, which leads to insomnia and sleep disorders.

Effects on the digestive system
Scientists suppose that melatonin may have a major impact on digestive function. It may be potentially used e.g. to treat symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). As already mentioned, it is produced by, apart from the pineal gland, enterochromaffin cells of the gastrointestinal mucosa. While the release of melatonin in the pineal gland depends from the time of day. its production in the stomach increases after eating.

Studies on animals have shown that melatonin is involved in the regulation of gastrointestinal motility – it may stimulate and inhibit smooth muscles of the intestines. As a result, it helps regulate bowel movements, which is especially important in patients with IBS.

Furthermore, it exerts anti-inflammatory effects and is probably involved in the modulation of pain. It was found that chronic pain in the stomach and intestines stopped at night when melatonin reached its highest level.

Experts indicate that there is a correlation between the occurrence of IBS symptoms and anxiety depressive disorders. It is estimated that 30% of patients with IBS also suffer from depression. This leads to a vicious circle because mental stress exacerbates the disease. Many patients treated with melatonin have a better mood and get considerable relief from depression, which may cause a reduction in IBS symptoms.

Antioxidant properties
There is a growing interest in antioxidant potential of melatonin among scientists. Tests have shown that it neutralises different kinds of radicals – hydroxyl and superoxide radicals, hydrogen peroxide, nitric oxide, hypochlorous acid and singlet oxygen. In addition, it prevents oxidative damage at the cellular, tissue and organ level.

Melatonin has slightly different effects than classic antioxidants, such as vitamin C and E. It does not undergo redox reactions, i.e. it rather does not promote or prevent oxidation. Since its molecule has many electrons, it is believed to react directly with free radicals, leading to the formation of stable compounds which are easily excreted by the body. What is more, it may reduce the production of free radicals at the mitochondrial level and promotes the synthesis of glutathione, the most important endogenous antioxidant.

The fight against free radicals is important in the prevention of many diseases, especially so-called diseases of affluence. Scientists agree that oxidative stress has a role in the aetiology of cancer and neurodegenerative diseases and premature ageing of the body.

To sum up, Now Foods Melatonin is a supplement which is used most frequently for insomnia and sleep problems. Nonetheless, studies show that melatonin has much more health benefits. It may help treat irritable bowel syndrome and seasonal depression. What is more, it is safe for the body and free of side effects of other soporifics.