title: Evidence supporting the use of melatonin in short gestation infants.
abstract: Pineal melatonin regulates circadian rhythms and influences sleep. Melatonin also has protective actions against tissue damage from free-radicals and other toxins. Evidence is presented that this indoleamine is involved in pre- and postnatal brain (and ocular) development and intrauterine growth. In the absence of maternal melatonin, short gestation infants have a prolonged period of melatonin deficiency. Melatonin supplementation, which has a benign safety profile, may help reduce complications in the neonatal period that are associated with short gestation. We believe that this treatment might result in a wide range of health benefits, improved quality of life and reduced healthcare costs.
authors.affiliation: Melatonin Research Group, Department of Psychiatry, BC Children's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada, and Child Health, Chelsea and Westminster Campus, Imperial College, London, UK. jjan@cw.bc.ca
authors.forename: James E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Jan
authors.forename: Michael B
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Wasdell
authors.forename: Roger D
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: Freeman
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bax
mesh_terms: D019587:Dietary Supplements; D005333:Fetus / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature / Q000502:physiology*; D008550:Melatonin / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D008550:Melatonin