Melatonin CR is a vegetarian formula with a biphasic delivery system that releases melatonin quickly and then steadily. Melatonin is naturally produced in the pineal gland in response to changes in light exposure; it helps promote healthy sleep patterns as well as antioxidant and immune activities. Melatonin CR can support these functions by helping to maintain normal levels of melatonin in the body.*
Melatonin is a neurohormone produced from tryptophan by the pineal
gland when it is stimulated by darkness. While melatonin regulates
many other hormones; its primary function appears to be regulation of
the body’s daily and annual biological rhythms.*
Oral supplementation has been shown to have some benefit with
regard to time to sleep onset, total sleep time, and sleep efficiency.[1]
Noteworthy advantages over pharmaceutical sleep aids are improved
performance upon wakening and the absence of memory impairment.
[2,3] According to studies, daytime melatonin supplementation by
travelers crossing time zones and/or shift workers also promotes
sleep.*[4]
Research has shown that melatonin not only fights free radicals
during sleep, but also stimulates the body’s own antioxidant systems.
For example, it reduced harmful oxidized cholesterol (LDL) in post-
menopausal women.[5] Melatonin’s antioxidant capacity also accounts
for its role as a neuroprotectant. By delivering antioxidant benefits and
correcting the circadian rhythm, melatonin could support cognitive
function.*[6,7]
A decrease in plasma melatonin correlates with a decline in immune
function in some individuals beginning around the age of sixty.
Interestingly, lymphoid cells are an important physiological source of
melatonin in humans.The hormone appears to stimulate production of
T helper (TH) cells and their release of interleukin-2, gamma interferon
and opiod peptides.[8] Considering the decline in melatonin synthesis
with age, exogenous supplementation with the hormone has long
been of interest in anti-aging protocols.*[9,10]
