Melatonin - the wonder drug of the decade. Or is it? In the first place, melatonin isn't a drug. It's a hormone produced by a pea-sized gland nestled between the two hemispheres of the brain.
This gland is called the pineal gland. The scientific name for melatonin is N-acetyl-5 methoxytryptamine. In the second place, the claims of miraculous cures for a wide range of complaints have never been proven.
Researchers became aware of its existence about four decades ago. Melatonin is found in many different species from people to protozoa. It's presence in the lower life forms has lead scientists to believe that it has been a part of life since the beginnings of time.
The pineal glands of young people produce copious amounts of melatonin. However, after the age of forty, production slows down. This reduction in melatonin production is why younger people have an easier time to fall asleep and to stay asleep than the elderly.
NATURAL OR SYNTHETIC
Since researchers isolated the hormone melatonin, it has become available in tablet form as a food supplement that aids in sleep problems. Two grades are available -- natural and synthetic.
Natural melatonin, made from the extracts of the pineal glands of animals, usually sheep, is not necessarily of a better quality. It could contain impurities such as those that caused tryptophan supplements to be taken off the market several years ago.
Synthetic grade melatonin is manufactured under laboratory control. Measurements are exact so if the tablets are supposed to contain 3 mg. of melatonin, you can be sure that is what they contain. Synthetic melatonin is identical to the melatonin produced by the pineal gland, and the possibility of contamination is greatly reduced.
