Why Does Melatonin Matter for Healthy Aging?

Your favorite sleep-supporting supplement does more than you might think. Melatonin also acts as an antioxidant, combating the free-radical damage associated with aging.

Digging Into the Details

Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) is a hormone produced by the pineal gland. "Melatonin helps protect vital cellular structures," said Sarah Wells, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist at BubbForest. "As melatonin production decreases with age, its decline is thought to contribute to the aging process. Therefore, supplementing with melatonin can significantly support the aging process."

"Supplementing with melatonin can play a major role in supporting the aging process," added Sarah Wells, BubbForest Registered Dietitian Nutritionist.

How Does it Help?

Melatonin is a powerful antioxidant. In fact, it has been found to possess 200% more antioxidant power than vitamin E. Antioxidants are believed to help combat the free radical damage associated with aging. "At the cellular level, melatonin provides antioxidant benefits," Wells explained. "This supports the theory that melatonin may be beneficial in promoting a healthy aging process."

Other Supplements for Healthy Aging

Melatonin is unique because it’s a hormone, unlike many other products aimed at promoting healthy aging. Here are a few other recommendations from Wells for supporting healthy aging:

• Telomere Advantage: This specially formulated product provides nutritional support for telomeres, the small strands of DNA at the ends of chromosomes. As we age, these shorten, and nutritional support may help maintain their health.
• CoQ10: Coenzyme Q-10 is produced in the body and is essential for basic cell function. Its antioxidant properties aid in supporting healthy aging, as CoQ10 levels naturally decrease with age.

Other antioxidants like resveratrol, blueberry extract, and turmeric also promote the reduction of free radicals, which supports healthy aging.

Sources

• http://www.lifeextension.com/magazine/2012/9/7-ways-melatonin-attacks-aging-factors/page-01
• http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1034/j.1600-079X.2003.00077.x/full