melatonin Use Linked too Potential Heart Problems, Experts Caution
Brussels, Belgium – A recent study is raising concerns about the widespread use of melatonin, โคa popularโฃ over-the-counter sleep aid,โ suggesting a potential link to heart problems โin โheavy consumers. while researchers emphasize that a definitive cause-and-effectโฃ relationship hasn’t been established, the findings are prompting โcalls for further examination and a โmore cautious approach to melatonin consumption.
Melatonin’s surging popularity – readily available forโ self-purchase in Belgium and elsewhere – may be masking potential risks, particularly with long-term use. The studyโ highlights the need for greater awareness surrounding the hormone’sโ effects, as millions rely on it to combat sleep disturbances. โคExperts warn that melatonin isโข “not harmless” and “notโ suitable for chronic use over months or years,” urging consumersโ to reconsider habitual reliance on the โคsupplement.
The research indicates that individuals who regularly consumeโ high โคdoses of melatonin were more likely to experience heart issues. Dr. Gรฉrald Kierzek of Doctissimo suggests this connection could stem from melatonin’s primary function: lowering body temperature to induce sleep. “it also โคinduces vasodilation of peripheral โarteries, which influences blood circulation and can have anโ effect on the heart,” he explained.This vasodilation, while aiding sleep, could potentially contribute to heart disease in individuals withโ pre-existing vulnerabilities.
Dr. Newell,psychiatristโข and head of the sleep laboratory at CHU Brugmann,echoed these concerns,emphasizingโ the need for further study to โขfully understand the long-term โcardiovascular effects ofโค melatonin. The current findings serve as aโค critical reminder that even seeminglyโข benign supplements โคcan carry unforeseen consequences, particularly when used without medical guidance.โ Researchers are now advocating for extensive studies to definitively prove or disprove the link between melatonin and heart problems, and to establish safe usage guidelines.
