Douglas Laboratories Melatonin P.R. Prolonged-Release 3 mg
Brand: Douglas Laboratories · Form: TABLET [E0155]
Our assessment
The evidence shows that while this is a specific product, the key ingredient—melatonin—is a well-studied sleep aid. However, the data provided for this formulation is limited. Our assessment is that prolonged-release melatonin can be helpful for maintaining sleep throughout the night, but you should be aware that the data on calcium (a different mineral) is included here for context, not as a direct claim for this product.
How it works
Think of melatonin as your body's internal clock regulator. A prolonged-release (PR) formulation is designed to release 3 mg of melatonin slowly over several hours, mimicking your body's natural sleep pattern to help you stay asleep longer. This is different from immediate-release forms that help you fall asleep quickly [NIH ODS].
Safety profile
The FDA received 592,059 total adverse event reports across all supplements, but specific report counts for this exact product are not available. Be cautious: while melatonin is generally safe for short-term use, the data provided here is for calcium, not melatonin. For calcium, high intakes can cause constipation, nausea, and abnormal heart rhythms [FDA data] [NIH ODS]. For melatonin, common side effects from general use include daytime drowsiness, headache, and dizziness, though specific numbers for this product are not in the provided data.
Our recommendation
Start with the lowest effective dose. For this 3 mg prolonged-release tablet, take it 30–60 minutes before bedtime. Do not break or crush the tablet, as that will alter the prolonged-release mechanism. If you are taking any medications, especially blood thinners or immunosuppressants, consult your doctor first. Data not available on long-term safety beyond 3 months of use [NIH ODS].
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | Douglas Laboratories |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 60.0 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