COVID and Melatonin – is there a connection?

Can melatonin prevent or lessen the severity of COVID 19? That’s the buzz around the web as of late. We dug into the studies to better understand the possible link to COVID prevention and treatment by melatonin.

What is Melatonin?

Melatonin is a natural hormone produced by the brain to enable sleep and help regulate a person’s sleep-wake cycle or circadian rhythm. It is generally produced when the light lessens in the evening and then dissipates as the sun rises in the morning thus helping your body wake up. Some people have a difficult time producing melatonin naturally, so as a dietary supplement, it is commonly used to help insomnia and reduce jet lag.

What does the research say about COVID and Melatonin?

A study published by Science Direct in 2019 indicated “the anti-inflammatory and immune modulatory effects of melatonin may provide a beneficial effect for influenza”.

Another study published in the PLOS Biology journal from a clinic in Cleveland in Nov of 2020 showed, after adjusting for things like age, sex and underlying diseases, that melatonin was observed to lower positive coronavirus test by about 28%. The melatonin effect was even more pronounced in African Americans, with a reduction of 52% in positive tests as compared to 23% in white Americans.

Yet another team of researchers at the University of Toronto in Canada has found that melatonin, with its Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, may augment the efficacy of anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccines and that the drug has the potential to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. Their study published in the medical journal cited evidence implying that melatonin prevents SARS-CoV-2 infection but also has properties that combat many other comorbidities (i.e. the simultaneous presence of two or more diseases or medical conditions in a patient), including metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.

Should I take Melatonin?

While there is still no cure for the novel coronavirus that caused the pandemic of 2020, there is hope for 2021 with two new vaccines and more research being done on natural ways to prevent and treat COVID. Even President Donald Trump’s doctors prescribed melatonin as part of his COVID-19 treatment.

So whether you just want to boost your potential for COVID prevention or infection severity or just want to get some more Zs, melatonin may offer a multitude of health benefits. Our Restorative Slumber offers 3 mg of Melatonin per serving - perfect for a great night's sleep. And with its pleasant chocolate mint taste, it goes down easy.

As always, it is recommended you discuss your personal situation with your doctor before taking any supplement.