Melatonin

Melatonin is an endogenous hormone that is involved in controlling the body's sleep-wake cycle, among other things. Melatonin is approved as an active ingredient in prescription medicines, e.g. for the temporary treatment of sleep disorders for certain patient groups. Food supplements containing melatonin are also marketed by manufacturers as supposedly harmless sleep aids. The range of melatonin-containing food supplements on the market has increased in recent years. Possible health risks that may be associated with the long-term use of melatonin-containing food supplements in particular have not yet been sufficiently scientifically investigated.

Status: 08/08/2024