New research presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions is raising concerns among scientists about the long-term use of the popular sleep aid, melatonin.
An analysis of electronic health records for over 130,000 adults with insomnia across multiple countries found a potentially alarming association, though the findings are preliminary and have not yet been peer-reviewed:
- People prescribed melatonin for more than a year had an 89 percent higher risk of heart failure over five years compared to those not prescribed the supplement.
- They were also twice as likely to die from any cause.
Key Findings and Caveats
The study's lead researcher, Ekenedilichukwu Nnadi, notes, "Melatonin supplements may not be as harmless as commonly assumed. If our study is confirmed, this could affect how doctors counsel patients about sleep aids."
Important things to keep in mind:
- Association, Not Causation: These findings only suggest an association and do not prove that melatonin is the direct cause of these dangerous repercussions.
- Preliminary Data: The research is preliminary and does not change current health recommendations.
- Short-Term Safety: Melatonin is generally considered safe and well-tolerated for short-term use (around 1 to 2 months).
The results strongly suggest the need for further, comprehensive study on the safety of using melatonin for longer periods.
Concerns Over Accessibility and Methodology
The situation is complicated by the fact that in the US and many other countries, melatonin is available over the counter, allowing individuals to take it without medical supervision regarding dosage or duration.
The analysis, which included data from the US and the UK (where melatonin is prescription-only), revealed a secondary finding that long-term users were almost 3.5 times as likely to be hospitalized for heart failure. The risk of death from any cause in this group jumped from 4.3 percent to 7.8 percent.
Because the supplement is available over the counter in many places, the group used for comparison (the control group) likely included individuals who were taking melatonin without a prescription. This means the research may have undercounted actual users in the control group. Carlos Egea, president of the Spanish Federation of Sleep Medicine Societies, stressed the importance of the findings despite the limitations: This statement challenges the idea that melatonin is a harmless long-term treatment and emphasizes the urgent need for a controlled prospective trial to properly determine its safety profile.
Disclaimer: This content is published only for health awareness and informational purposes. It's not a substitute for your professional medical advice. You must consult a doctor/healthcare professional regarding your specific health concerns.
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