Khaberni - An analytical study of adults suffering from insomnia revealed that individuals prescribed melatonin for over a year are at a higher risk of developing heart conditions.
Death and heart failure
According to Science Alert, the study results were presented this month during the scientific sessions of the American Heart Association, and it was clarified that among more than 130,000 adults in multiple countries, those who were prescribed melatonin for an extended period had an 89% higher risk of heart failure over five years.
They were also more likely to die from any cause, compared with those who were not prescribed melatonin.
It was also found that those who took melatonin for more than a year were about 3.5 times more likely to be hospitalized for heart failure compared with those who did not take it. Additionally, the risk of death from any cause increased from 4.3% to 7.8% between the two groups.
The research indicated that these are preliminary results and do not change current health recommendations, nor do they necessarily mean that melatonin—one of the most common natural products among adults in the United States—causes severe consequences.
It also confirmed that the findings indicate that the long-term uses of melatonin need further study to ensure their safety, especially since melatonin is considered safe and well-tolerated for short-term use among non-pregnant or non-nursing individuals, typically for a month to two months approximately.
While research on the effects of this dietary supplement is limited, which some researchers believe should be addressed, particularly with the increasing popularity of this supplement, medical researcher Ekinidelicokou Nady from the Primary Health Care Center at New York State University reported that melatonin supplements might not be as safe as is commonly believed.
He added that if the study is confirmed, it might affect the way doctors advise patients about sleep aids.
Without a prescription
It is noted that the melatonin supplement mimics a hormone naturally produced by the brain to help maintain the body's biological clock.
Taking this alternative at the end of the day may help some people sleep better.
In the United States and many other countries, melatonin supplements are available without a prescription, meaning that patients can take them without medical guidance or supervision regarding dosage or duration of use.
