Sundown Naturals Melatonin 5 mg
Brand: Sundown Naturals · Form: TABLET [E0155]
Our assessment
The evidence shows that Sundown Naturals Melatonin 5 mg is a straightforward supplement, but you should understand its single active ingredient. This product contains 5 mg of melatonin per serving. For comparison, the data on calcium—a different mineral—indicates it supports bone mineralization and neuromuscular relaxation [NIH ODS]. However, melatonin is not calcium, and its effects are distinct. Data on this specific product’s efficacy is not available.
How it works
Melatonin is a hormone your body naturally produces to regulate sleep-wake cycles. While the provided data does not include specific mechanism details for this melatonin product, think of it as a signal to your brain that it is time to rest. The calcium data shows that minerals like calcium work through very different pathways, such as bone density support and muscle relaxation [NIH ODS]. For melatonin, the intended effect is to help you fall asleep faster or adjust to new sleep schedules, but no specific studies on this brand are included in the data.
Safety profile
For safety, the FDA has received a total of 592,059 adverse event reports across all supplements, but data on reports specifically for this melatonin product is not available. However, based on general supplement safety principles, high doses can cause side effects. For example, high levels of calcium in the blood can cause constipation, nausea, and extreme tiredness [NIH ODS]. For melatonin, common side effects may include drowsiness, headache, or dizziness, though specific report counts for this product are not provided in the data. Always start with a low dose to assess your tolerance.
Our recommendation
Our recommendation is to use this product with caution. Begin with a lower dose (such as 1 mg or 3 mg) if you are new to melatonin, as 5 mg is a high starting dose for many people. Take it only 30–60 minutes before bedtime. Do not drive or operate machinery after taking it. If you are pregnant, nursing, or have an autoimmune condition, consult your doctor first. Data on long-term use of this specific product is not available, so use it only as needed for short-term sleep support.
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | Sundown Naturals |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 90.0 Tablet(s) |
| Market Status | Off Market |
How to Read This Label
Supplement labels contain several key sections regulated by the FDA:
- Serving Size — The recommended amount per dose. Always check this — some products require multiple capsules per serving.
- Amount Per Serving — Shows the quantity of each nutrient in the product, typically in IU (International Units), mg (milligrams), or mcg (micrograms).
- % Daily Value (%DV) — Indicates how much a nutrient in a serving contributes to a daily diet. 5% DV or less is low; 20% DV or more is high.
- Other Ingredients — Lists inactive ingredients like fillers, binders, and capsule materials (e.g., gelatin, cellulose, magnesium stearate).
- Suggested Use — The manufacturer's recommended directions for taking the supplement, including timing and dosage.
Source: FDA Dietary Supplement Labeling Guide