Melatonin supplementation reduces markers of inflammation
This was a meta-analysis of RCTs examining the effect of melatonin supplementation on markers of inflammation. Thirteen trials (of 4 weeks duration or longer, comparing melatonin to placebo) were included, with a total of 749 participants. Doses of melatonin used in these trials ranged from 3 to 25mg daily. Trials were conducted in people with a variety of conditions, including T2DM, cancer, obesity, NAFLD, or autoimmune disease.
Melatonin led to decreases in levels of IL6 (p<0.001) and TNF-α (p<0.001), with effects on these markers being more pronounced when melatonin was supplemented for ≥12 weeks and at doses of ≥10 mg/day. Melatonin had a marginal effect on CRP (p=0.06). The authors discuss melatonin’s antioxidant properties as well as effects on the microbiome, and speculate that these factors may contribute to melatonin’s anti-inflammatory effects.
Citation:
Zarezadeh, M., Khorshidi, M., Emami, M. et al. Melatonin supplementation and pro-inflammatory mediators: a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials Eur J Nutr 2019 Nov 2
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