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NUCCA News - Many Melatonin Supplements Meet Label Claims Health - Reuters http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story2&cid=571&ncid=751&e=10&u=/nm/20021230/hl_nm/malatonin_labels_dc NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - A recent evaluation of several dietary supplements containing melatonin found most contained the amount stated on their label, according to a commercial testing company.
Melatonin, a hormone produced by the pineal gland in response to the darkness of nighttime, promotes sleep and helps regulate the body clock. Because the hormone is believed to help regulate sleep patterns, melatonin supplements have been touted as a treatment for sleep problems and jet lag. ConsumerLab.com, a commercial testing company based in White Plains, New York, reported Monday that 16 out of 18 melatonin supplements tested met their label claims. "One product failed the evaluation for having only 83% of the claimed melatonin and another failed for being contaminated with a small amount of lead," the company reported in a statement. For a fee, ConsumerLab.com licenses its "Seal of Approved Quality" to companies whose products pass testing. "Most melatonin supplements are synthetically manufactured, but chemically identical to the melatonin produced in the body," according to the company. "Supplements are required to list their source of melatonin if made directly from plant or animal sources. If the source is not given it is assumed to be synthetic." Under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994, supplement manufacturers are required to have on file substantiation of any claims they make about how a product affects the structure or function of the body. They must also notify the Food and Drug Administration (news - web sites) (FDA) of claims that they are making within 30 days of marketing a given dietary supplement. However, the FDA does not regulate ingredients in supplements or dosage levels.
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