Melatonin - Factors that Enhance

Introduction

This section describes other nutrients, substances, foods and herbs that enhance the production or function of Melatonin.

Amino Acids

 5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) may increase Brain Melatonin levels (via Serotonin and N-Acetyl-Serotonin).  ^[1]

 Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALC) may increase the night-time secretion of Melatonin by the Pineal Gland.  ^[2]

 Methionine may facilitate the production and release of Melatonin.  ^[3]

 S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe) is involved in the metabolic pathway that governs the conversion of Serotonin to Melatonin.

 Tryptophan is a precursor for the production of Melatonin in the Gastrointestinal Tract (and administration of supplemental Tryptophan causes a rapid and dose-dependent increase in Melatonin levels).  ^[4]

Electromagnetic Radiation

 Sunlight stimulates the production of Melatonin within the Pineal Gland:

 Melatonin is manufactured in the Pineal Gland during daylight hours for later release at night.

 At sunset, the cessation of sunlight triggers the Pineal Gland to cease manufacturing Melatonin and begin secreting it into the bloodstream.

 Melatonin secretion peaks at about 2 AM in younger people and at about 3 AM in elderly people;  secretion then steadily declines until morning.

 Absence of Light (darkness) is necessary for the secretion of Melatonin from the Pineal Gland during Sleep.

 Light signals transmitted from the Suprachiasmatic Nucleus (SCN) to the Pineal Gland serve to stimulate the production of (but inhibit the release of) Melatonin from the Pineal Gland.  When Light signals cease to be transmitted from the SCN to the Pineal Gland, the Pineal Gland ceases to produce Melatonin and begins to secrete Melatonin.