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Melatonin Prevents Obesity by Altering Gut Microbes

April 18, 2017 - Admin

Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland in the brain that promotes sleep. It is released cyclically in response to darkness and light. Supplementing melatonin might promote weight control by altering gut microbes— according to a study on mice by Chinese researchers. They fed the mice a high-fat diet, which altered gut microbes and promoted weight gain. Melatonin supplements altered the microbe colonies in the gut and triggered reduced weight, fat storage and reverse fat tissue enlargement. Other studies found that melatonin supplements decrease inflammation and normalize adipokines, which are important fat-signaling chemicals. Melatonin supplements help promote sleep and weight control. Imbalances in gut microbes are linked to obesity, immune system breakdown, bad breath, gum disease, coronary artery disease, cancer, back pain, allergies and autism. (Journal of Pineal Research, published online February 15, 2017)