Does melatonin stunt growth?

Answer 1

Melatonin's functional role has become clearer in the last several years, but is still not completely understood. However, I doubt that it stunts growth -- most functions associated with melatonin are actually growth-promoting, such as maintaining circadian rhythms (through facilitating REM sleep), functioning as an antioxidant, maintaining immune function, etc

Though, it's possible that a LACK of melatonin may be stunting to growth, since regular REM sleep is required for the release of growth hormone -- thus, low melatonin might inhibit such release and result in a lagging growth pattern if it becomes chronic.

Answer 2

No, I personally do not think so.

This stems from its various uses and characteristics as depicted below:

Melatonin

Description

Melatonin is a hormone produced naturally in the pineal gland at the base of the brain. It is important in regulating sleep, and may play a role in maintaining circadian rhythm, the body's natural time clock. The hypothalamus keeps track of the amount of sunlight that is taken in by the eye. The less sunlight, the more melatonin that is released by the pineal gland, thereby enhancing and regulating sleep. Melatonin can also be taken in an over-the-counter supplement mainly sold in health food stores and pharmacies.

General Use

1. A variety of medical uses for melatonin have been reported but its current popularity stems from its promotion as a sleep aid and to reduce jet lag. However, medical experts caution that melatonin is not a harmless substance without risks. Natural melatonin production decreases with age and the decrease is associated with some sleep disorders, particularly in the elderly.

2. The second most popular use of melatonin is to ease the effects of jet lag, a physical condition caused by the disturbance of circadian rhythms, usually associate with air travel across several time zones.

3. Melatonin has also been touted by some as an anti-aging agent following the results of an experiment in Italy. An Italian researcher reported that in a laboratory experiment, older mice appeared to grow younger and live longer after receiving melatonin. However, there have been no studies in humans to support this claim. Animal tests in Spain and China have appeared to show that melatonin can help prevent some cancers, heart disease, and brain degeneration. Further studies on the benefits, long-term effects, and proper dosage are being conducted through the National Institutes on Aging.

4. In laboratory and animal experiments, melatonin appears to protect cells and boost the immune system. Melatonin supplementation is sometimes part of a holistic treatment regimen for people with HIV or AIDS. There have been no human trials that support this claim.

Thus from enumerating melatonin's usefulness, it does not mean that it is without harm, but, i do not think that stunted growth is one of them.