Melatonin is the most prominent hormone produced by the pineal gland, which is located on the spinal column. The extra-pineal tissues in amphibians also manufacture melatonin. Melatonin is also present in some plants, but in much smaller amounts.
In the past few years, melatonin has gained a reputation for being an effective sleep aid, along with a few other applications. One team of researchers looked at the effects of melatonin on healthy adults. The research subjects who took melatonin took less time to fall asleep and slept more soundly. Other studies have has similar results.
Melatonin has also been used to help people with severe depression to get to sleep. This application is controversial, though, because some evidence suggests that melatonin might intensify depression. Melatonin should only be used to treat depression under recommendation of a doctor.
Melatonin can also help keep the immune system working effectively. Because of this, melatonin may help treat cancer.
Melatonin is manufactured by the pineal gland, which is in the brain. The amount of melatonin in the brain changes throughout the day. The largest amounts of melatonin are present in the night, while during the day there is little melatonin in the brain. Food is not generally a significant source of melatonin.
by the Harvard School of Public Health
It has been asked by millions of people “If you eat a healthy diet, do you need to take vitamins?” Not very long ago, the common answer from most experts and professionals would have been an emphatic "no". However, today there's quite a bit of evidence that taking a daily multivitamin makes good sense for most adults.
by the Mayoclinic Staff
Given the popularity and availability of “high potency” amino acids, antioxidants, enzymes and herbs, it might seem like dietary supplements could replace food as a source of the nutrients the body requires. However, this is not the case.
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