Life Extension Melatonin 10 mg
Brand: Life Extension · Form: CAPSULE [E0159] On Market
Our assessment
The evidence shows that this product contains 10 mg of melatonin per serving. Our assessment is that this is a very high dose — significantly above the typical starting dose of 0.5 mg to 3 mg. For general sleep support, lower doses are often equally effective and carry a lower risk of side effects. Data not available on the specific benefits of a 10 mg dose for long-term use.
How it works
Melatonin is a hormone that regulates your circadian rhythm — your body’s internal clock. Think of it as a sleep signal that tells your brain it is time to rest. While melatonin supplements can help with sleep onset, high doses like 10 mg may cause your body to become less responsive to the signal over time [NIH ODS].
Safety profile
FDA received 592,059 adverse event reports across all supplements, though specific counts for melatonin are not available here. High melatonin doses can cause morning grogginess, headaches, dizziness, and vivid dreams. Data not available on long-term safety of daily 10 mg use. Because melatonin is a hormone, high doses could affect other hormonal systems, but specific data is not provided [FDA data].
Our recommendation
We recommend starting with a much lower dose, such as 0.5 mg to 3 mg, taken 30 to 60 minutes before bed. Use the 10 mg only under professional supervision, and for short-term use only. If you experience grogginess the next day, reduce your dose. Data not available on interactions with other medications for this specific product [NIH ODS].
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | Life Extension |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 60.0 Capsule(s) |
| Market Status | On 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