Melatonin Supplement Study Links Long-Term Use with Heart Failure Risk
A new study suggests a possible link between long-term melatonin supplement use and an increased risk of heart failure. Researchers examined electronic medical records of over 130,000 adults with chronic insomnia who had taken melatonin for a year or more.
Key Findings
- Individuals using melatonin long-term had a 90% higher risk of developing heart failure within five years compared to those with similar health conditions not using the supplement.
- They were about three times more likely to be hospitalized due to heart failure.
- The risk of death from any cause was approximately doubled in the melatonin user group.
The American Heart Association stated, “The association between melatonin and increased risk of heart failure or death found in this study, which cannot prove a cause-and-effect relationship, raises safety concerns about the use of melatonin, which is widely available, and may warrant more research on melatonin to assess its cardiovascular safety.”
About Melatonin
The Cleveland Clinic explains that melatonin is a natural hormone produced mainly by the pineal gland in the brain. It plays a crucial role in regulating the sleep-wake cycle and circadian rhythm.
The clinic also notes that “the Food and Drug Administration does not regulate supplements,” warning that melatonin is not a “magic pill” that can cure sleep disorders.
Summary
This study raises important safety concerns about prolonged melatonin use, emphasizing the need for further research to clarify its effects on heart health and overall mortality.
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