Melatonin is known as the sleep hormone, but it is SO much more than that. Yes, it is produced in the brain and controls the day/night cycle. However, what many people don’t realize is that is also produced in other places in the body such as the gastrointestinal tract, skin, bone marrow, and more where it exerts important local effects that are important for health. Additionally, it is a powerful antioxidant making it crucial in mitigating harmful free radical damage which is implicated in aging and many chronic diseases. In today’s episode, we break down the synthesis, physiology, and metabolism of melatonin. We discuss not only melatonin’s role in day/night cycles, but its important systemic effects to promote health and mitigate harmful risks. Today on The Lab Report: 2:40 Melatonin is an important hormone 6:30 Break it down: melatonin and day/night cycles 9:00 Babies and sleep 10:30 Suprachiasmatic nucleus and blindness 11:30 Sleep, shift workers, jet lag  14:30 Systemic antioxidant effects 16:10 Melatonin in the GI tract 17:40 Brain health, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and other hormones 21:00 Supplementation and side effects 23:25 Question of the Day Does melatonin supplementation affect nutrition testing? Additional Resources: Comprehensive Melatonin Profile One Day Hormone Check Subscribe, Rate, & Review The Lab Report Thanks for tuning in to this week’s episode of The Lab Report, presented by Genova Diagnostics, with your hosts Michael Chapman and Patti Devers. If you enjoyed this episode, please hit the subscribe button and give us a rating or leave a review. Don’t forget to visit our website, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Email Patti and Michael with your most interesting and pressing questions on functional medicine: [email protected]. And, be sure to share your favorite Lab Report episodes with your friends and colleagues on social media to help others learn more about Genova and all things related to functional medicine and specialty lab testing. To find a qualified healthcare provider to connect you with Genova testing, or to access select products directly yourself, visit Genova Connect.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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