Life Extension Melatonin 10 mg
Brand: Life Extension · Form: CAPSULE [E0159]
Our assessment
The evidence shows that this product contains 10 mg of melatonin. Our assessment is that this is a significantly high dose. For general sleep support, most adults respond well to doses between 0.5 mg and 5 mg. You should be aware that 10 mg is not a standard starting dose and may be too strong for many people, leading to next-day drowsiness. Data on the specific ingredient in this supplement is limited to what is provided here.
How it works
Melatonin is a hormone that your body naturally produces to regulate your sleep-wake cycle. It signals to your brain that it is time to sleep, particularly in response to darkness. While the specific mechanism for this product’s 10 mg dose is not detailed in the provided data, melatonin generally works by binding to receptors in your brain to promote sleep onset [NIH ODS]. Think of it as a timing signal for your internal clock.
Safety profile
Data not available for specific side effects of this product. The FDA has received a total of 592,059 adverse event reports across all dietary supplements, but specific report counts for melatonin are not provided in this data [FDA data]. Because this is a high dose, you are more likely to experience side effects such as morning grogginess, headache, or dizziness. Data not available on interactions for this specific product.
Our recommendation
We recommend you start with a much lower dose, typically 0.5 mg to 3 mg, taken 30 to 60 minutes before bed. Because 10 mg is a high dose, you should speak with your healthcare provider before using this product, especially if you take any medications or have a medical condition. Data not available for specific guidance on this dose.
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | Life Extension |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 60.0 Vegetarian Capsule(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