Melatonin facts for kids
Melatonin is a hormone found in animals, plants, and microbes. In animals, levels of melatonin have a daily cycle. It drives the circadian rhythms of several biological functions.
Melatonin is produced in the pineal gland which is outside of the blood–brain barrier. It acts as a hormone, and is released into the blood.
Melatonin acts on melatonin receptors. It also acts directly because it is a powerful antioxidant, which protects DNA.
Melatonin supplements for humans can be given. Melatonin is categorized by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a dietary supplement, not a drug. A prescription-only, timed release melatonin product for people aged 55 and over was approved for use by the European Medicines Agency in 2007, despite having shown only small effects, and in Australia in 2009.
Images for kids
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Overview of melatonin biosynthesis
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Mechanism of melatonin biosynthesis
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A bottle of melatonin tablets. Melatonin is available in timed-release and in liquid forms.
