Can i take melatonin while pregnant ?
Sleep: Melatonin-based food supplements may have dangerous effects
Taking melatonin tablets, often used to combat sleep disorders, could have dangerous side effects: vomiting, dizziness, migraines, etc. It is contraindicated for pregnant or breastfeeding women, as well as children and adolescents.
How does melatonin work?
Melatonin is a hormone secreted naturally during the night by the pineal gland, a gland located in the brain. Often called the “sleep hormone,” it is known as the hormone that participates in the mechanisms that induce sleep. Synthesized, it is sold in the form of medications, on prescription, or in the form of food supplements, over the counter. In France, regulations authorize the marketing of food supplements providing less than 2 mg of melatonin per day.
What are the reported side effects?
Various potentially dangerous side effects have been reported. These mainly include "general symptoms (headaches, dizziness, drowsiness), neurological disorders (tremors, migraines), gastroenterological (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain), and psychiatric (nightmares, irritability)".
On the other hand, studies conducted on animals attest to possible toxicity for the fetus in the case of taking food supplements containing melatonin during pregnancy. It is therefore not recommended for pregnant women. As well as for breastfeeding women, since it is likely to pass into breast milk. As well as for children and adolescents, in the absence of sufficient safety data.
Recommendations
In summary, it is not recommended to consume food supplements based on melatonin:
- for pregnant or breastfeeding women,
- for children and adolescents,
- for people who have to carry out an activity requiring sustained vigilance,
- for people suffering from inflammatory or autoimmune diseases.
