What is melatonin?
Q: What is melatonin?
A: Melatonin is a hormone found in animals, plants, and microbes.
Q: What does melatonin do in animals?
A: It drives the circadian rhythms of several biological functions.
Q: Where is melatonin produced in animals?
A: It is produced in the pineal gland which is outside of the blood–brain barrier.
Q: How does melatonin act in the body?
A: It acts as a hormone, and is released into the blood. Melatonin acts on melatonin receptors. It also acts directly because it is a powerful antioxidant, which protects DNA.
Q: Can humans take melatonin supplements?
A: Yes, melatonin supplements for humans can be given.
Q: Is melatonin considered a drug by the FDA?
A: No, it is categorized by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a dietary supplement, not a drug.
Q: What type of melatonin product was approved for use by the European Medicines Agency and in Australia?
A: A prescription-only, timed release melatonin product for people aged 55 and over was approved for use by the European Medicines Agency in 2007, despite having shown only small effects, and in Australia in 2009.
