MELATONIN: The mystery of the pineal

Besides its classification as a hormone and the fact that our levels decline as we age, melatonin shares little with DHEA, pregnenolone or any other adrenal secretion. As a therapy and maybe as a preventive, it could become widely used for everything from relieving insomnia to protecting us from cancer.

The more we learn about melatonin, the active hormone of the pineal gland, the more it distinguishes itself as a world-class antioxidant. By stimulating our number one antioxidant enzyme, it protects us from two of the most dangerous free radicals, hydroxyl and peroxyl. Thus, in an optimal amount, melatonin may shield us against cataracts, heart disease, neurological disorders, and, perhaps, cancer. I should begin, though, with its most popular use.

Insomnia
Our pineal gland, by releasing melatonin, keeps our wake-sleep cycle in perfect synch with day and night. For almost anyone who can’t drift off when at rest, melatonin is the best, most physiologically active sleeping pill available.

Especially for older people, it’s a well-established solution to insomnia. Simply taking a mere 0.3 mg of melatonin at bedtime (I use ten times that amount), one study demonstrated, markedly improves sleep patterns among elderly people who had problems falling asleep and remaining asleep for the remainder of the night. Most supplement takers say that their rest is longer and sounder and that they awaken feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

With Swiss precision, melatonin resets our internal clocks, making it the perfect potion for shift workers and travellers. Its value in overcoming jet lag symptoms has been confirmed. Short-term use, in this regard, is safe for virtually any adult. A dose of between 1 and 3 mg every evening for a week acclimatizes you quickly to a new sleep schedule, restoring sound slumber (in the dark) with a minimum amount of fatigue upon awakening (when it’s light).

Timed-released formulas, in dosages as low as a single milligram, may be more advantageous. They prevent the hormone’s level from peaking too soon, which will awaken you too early.

Cancer
Whether for prevention or treatment, melatonin could become an important weapon against certain cancers, notably those of the breast, skin and prostate. The list will lengthen, I’m sure, as this research field expands. The hormone rejuvenates several components of our natural defence system, and their strength combines to create a more powerful immunity. One way in which melatonin might fight cancer is by stimulating the immune system’s natural killer cells. Other studies confirm that the hormone sends white blood cells a signal to protect the body, and animal research points to its ability to bolster overall immunity. Some scientists speculate that this immune impact might be targeted against AIDS.

I’ve been telling the majority of the Atkins Center’s cancer patients to take between 12 and 20 mg of melatonin every night. In some research, people with metastatic cancer have lived longer by taking at least that amount. Even daily dosages of 200 mg, according to European investigators, are safe.

Heart Disease
In the not-too-distant future, cardiologists may take a melatonin reading to assess your risk of heart disease. As the body’s melatonin concentration falls, research affirms, the likelihood of heart disease rises. A deficiency is also associated with elevated blood levels of cholesterol and triglycerides.

Headache
I found a promising pilot study suggesting that melatonin (10 g) could prevent cluster headache (throbbers that come in bunches) from taking place. If this is replicated millions of sufferers could benefit.

Alzheimer’s Disease
A melatonin deficiency commonly appears in people with this mind-destroying disease. The implication, of course, is that supplements may play a preventive or remedial role. Alzheimer’s-affected brain cells are also damaged by hydroxyl, one of the free radical molecules that melatonin controls so effectively.

Another possible application: Italian doctors have reported dramatic early success after giving daily 20 mg doses of melatonin to two people with sarcoidosis.