Life Extension Melatonin 3 mg Lozenges

Our assessment

The evidence shows that melatonin at a 3 mg dose can be a useful short-term sleep aid, but you should be aware of its limitations. Data for this specific product is not available, but general safety information is provided below.

How it works

Melatonin is a hormone that helps regulate your sleep-wake cycle. Think of it as a signal to your body that it is time to rest. It supports the timing of your internal clock [NIH ODS].

Safety profile

FDA received a total of 592,059 adverse event reports across all supplements. For this specific product, side effect data is not available. General safety data for calcium, a common ingredient in many supplements, shows that high levels can cause constipation, nausea, weight loss, extreme tiredness, and abnormal heart rhythms [NIH ODS]. Calcium can also reduce the absorption of medications like bisphosphonates, tetracycline antibiotics, and levothyroxine [NIH ODS].

Our recommendation

Start with the lowest effective dose, which may be 0.5 mg to 1 mg, not necessarily 3 mg. Use it only for short-term sleep issues. If you take any prescription medications, check with your doctor before starting melatonin [NIH ODS].

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