Melatonin may well be one of the most important of antiaging hormones. Produced by the pineal gland it is essential for proper circadian rhythm and healthy sleep. Over a certain age, a melatonin supplement is very important.
An Essential Hormone
The is a true antiaging hormone in every sense of the word. From improved sleep to antioxidant effects, it has a number of important functions, all of which are necessary to keep your physiology working optimally.
Here are just some of its benefits:
- Helpful in fighting cancer
- Can help regulate and normalize circadian rhythms
- Boosts the immune system
- Helps promote sound healthy sleep
- Powerful antioxidant
- Can help prevent jet lag
- Potential to slow the aging process
Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone found in humans and most animals. It is produced by the pineal gland and is involved with regulating circadian rhythms. Some of it’s effects involve receptors for the hormone in the body, others are due to it’s antioxidant activity.
Effects of Supplementation On Cancer
Cancer prevention and treatment is perhaps the most important benefit of any nutritional supplement. Supplementing this important hormone can offer a number of benefits in regard to the prevention and treatment of cancer.
- Evidence that it inhibits tumor growth
- May shield DNA from free radical damage
- Protects against toxic hydroxyl radicals
- Helps extend the lives of cancer patients
- Decreased estrogen binding activity in breast cancer
- May inhibit gene expression in tumor cells
- Increased the immune response to cancer from T-helper cells
- Protects bone marrow cells against apoptosis (cell death) due to cancer
Melatonin and Aging
Nighttime production of this hormone by the pineal gland declines with age and parallels the decline of health over time. Thus scientists reason that this decline if addressed with a supplement could result in antiaging benefits.
It may also be beneficial as part of a treatment protocol for SAD (seasonal affective disorder), as it has a role in regulating the circadian rhythms that are affected by SAD. For these and other health benefits the proper form and dosage is critical.
Peak levels in older people are in the range of 30-40 “picograms per milliliter of blood, in contrast to the 100-200 picograms that younger people secrete during their nighttime sleep cycle. Supplementation can help older people get the quality sleep they need.
The optimal dosage for this supplement is in the range between 300 micrograms to 3 milligrams taken at night before bed. You should start with the 300microgram dose and only use as much as it takes to induce quality sleep. The lowest effective dose is always the safest and best way to go.
You should always buy pharmaceutical grade supplements, so that levels in the product are accurate and you can calculate the proper dosage for yourself. With this in mind, you can’t go wrong with Life Extension brand products, as they are manufactured to pharmaceutical grade standards.
It is safe to say that this is one hormone that should definitely be supplemented, as you get older. The effects are overwhelmingly positive, and the benefits can be realized with a relatively low dosage. This is one supplement that should definitely be part of your antiaging program!
