Anti Aging Properties of Melatonin

Melatonin is a natural biological compound found in lots of living organisms, including people, mammals, amphibians, and even some microbes. In humans, melatonin is produced both in the pineal gland—which is part of the endocrine system, and in the GI tract—which is part of the digestive system. As human beings age, melatonin levels drop significantly, and melatonin supplements are often recommended to offset a variety of age related problems. Melatonin is one of the most popular and most recent of the anti aging supplements.

No one knows for sue why melatonin production falls with age, but part of the reason is almost certainly related to the link between melatonin and sexual development. In later years, this function is no longer necessary and sexual hormone output declines, so large amounts of melatonin may no longer be necessary to maintain reproductive processes.

Even so, melatonin performs many functions in the human body and taking it in melatonin supplements form has few known side effects, so using melatonin as an anti aging supplement is not dangerous and may even have significant positive effects.

What are the anti aging properties of melatonin?

The following benefits are known effects of regular use of this anti aging compound:

• Antioxidant booster. Melatonin is a powerful antioxidant in its own right, and is also known to boost the effectiveness of other antioxidants in food. Antioxidants carry toxins out of the body. Toxins trigger ‘oxidation’ within cells, and cellular oxidation is a primary cause of both aging and disease.
• Sleep cycle regulator. As people grow older they often begin to sleep less and experience more sleep related problems more frequently than when they were young. Melatonin regulates the natural circadian rhythms of the human body (cycles concerned with light and dark). Regulating these rhythms causes sleep to come naturally, without drugs or addictive effects.
• Memory aid. Melatonin seems to play a direct role in maintaining healthy memory and is sometimes recommended as a supplement for victims of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
• Mood disorder treatment. Seasonal affective disorder is a form of depression known to stem from problems with circadian rhythms. Melatonin is often prescribed as a natural treatment for this common form of age related depression.
• Weight maintenance. Melatonin is also connected to the mechanism within the body that regulates ‘normal’ weight. Some studies indicate that taking melatonin supplements helps to regulate blood sugar and prevent obesity.

Talk to your doctor if you think melatonin might be a useful anti aging supplement for you. Taking 3 mg per day or less is considered safe for most people, although people with low blood pressure may experience a slight worsening of their condition when taking melatonin, and some people experience drowsiness or vivid dreams. Prolonged use of high doses of melatonin (over 3 mg per day) has not been adequately studied and is not recommended.

Related links:

Anti aging supplement - Choosing one that's right for you

Anti Aging Supplements Review