Your favorite sleep-supporting supplement does more than you might think. Melatonin also acts as an antioxidant, combating the free-radical damage associated with aging.

Digging Into the Details

Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) is a hormone made by the pineal gland. “Melatonin can help protect vital cellular structures,” said Sarah Wells, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist at Swanson. “Because melatonin production reduces with age, it’s believed that its decline may contribute to the aging process. Therefore, supplementing with melatonin can play a major role in supporting the aging process.”

“Supplementing with melatonin can play a major role in supporting the aging process.” –Sarah Wells, Swanson Registered Dietitian Nutritionist

How Does it Help?

Melatonin is a powerful antioxidant. In fact, it’s been found to have 200% more antioxidant power than vitamin E. Antioxidants are believed to help combat the free radical damage associated with aging. “On cellular level melatonin provides antioxidant benefits,” Wells said. “This lends support to the theory that melatonin may provide benefits for supporting a healthy aging process.

Other Supplements for Healthy Aging

Melatonin is unique because it’s a hormone, unlike many other healthy aging products. Here are a few other recommendations Wells has for healthy aging:

• Telomere Advantage: This specially formulated product provides nutritional support for telomeres, the short strands of DNA located on the ends of chromosomes. As we age they shorten, and nutritional support can help keep them healthy.
• CoQ10: Coenzyme Q-10 is made in the body, and is essential for basic cell function. Its antioxidant properties help support healthy aging, as CoQ10 levels naturally decline with age.

Other antioxidants like resveratrol, blueberry extract and turmeric can promote free-radical reduction, which supports healthy aging.

Sources

• http://www.lifeextension.com/magazine/2012/9/7-ways-melatonin-attacks-aging-factors/page-01
• http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1034/j.1600-079X.2003.00077.x/full