Can melatonin cause constipation
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Can Melatonin Cause Constipation?
Introduction to Melatonin and Gut Health
Melatonin, a hormone primarily known for regulating sleep-wake cycles, is also produced in significant quantities in the gastrointestinal tract. It plays a role in modulating gut motility and has been studied for its effects on various gastrointestinal conditions, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and constipation 26.
Melatonin and Constipation in IBS Patients
Several studies have investigated the impact of melatonin on patients with IBS, particularly those with constipation-predominant IBS (IBS-C). One study involving postmenopausal women with IBS-C found that melatonin treatment significantly reduced the intensity of visceral pain and abdominal bloating in 70% of patients and alleviated constipation in 50% of patients 1. This suggests that melatonin may have a beneficial effect on constipation symptoms in IBS-C patients.
Age-Related Changes in Melatonin and Colonic Motility
Research on age-related changes in melatonin release in the colon indicates that melatonin levels decrease with age, which correlates with reduced colonic motility and increased prevalence of constipation 3. This decline in melatonin may contribute to age-related constipation, and exogenous melatonin has been shown to reverse these deficits in colonic motility in aged animals 3.
Effects of Melatonin on Colonic Transit Time
A study examining the effects of melatonin on colonic transit time (CTT) in both healthy subjects and IBS patients found that melatonin treatment increased CTT in healthy controls, indicating a slowing of gut motility 4. However, in IBS patients, melatonin did not significantly change CTT, suggesting that its effects may vary depending on the underlying condition of the gut 4.
Melatonin as a Co-Adjuvant Treatment in Gastrointestinal Diseases
Melatonin has been explored as a co-adjuvant treatment for various gastrointestinal diseases, including IBS, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis. It is noted that low doses of melatonin can accelerate intestinal transit time, while higher doses may decrease gut motility 6. This dual effect indicates that the dosage of melatonin is crucial in determining its impact on gut motility and constipation.
Conclusion
In summary, melatonin does not inherently cause constipation; rather, its effects on gut motility and constipation are dose-dependent and condition-specific. In patients with IBS-C, melatonin has been shown to alleviate constipation symptoms, while in healthy individuals, it may slow down colonic transit time. Age-related declines in melatonin levels are associated with increased constipation, and exogenous melatonin can help mitigate these effects. Therefore, melatonin's role in constipation is complex and influenced by various factors, including dosage, age, and underlying gastrointestinal conditions.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Influence of melatonin on symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome in postmenopausal women.
Melatonin can effectively reduce symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome in postmenopausal women, particularly in those with constipation-predominant IBS.
RCTIs melatonin involved in the irritable bowel syndrome?
Different melatonin secretion and metabolism may play a role in the pathogenesis of irritable bowel syndrome, with higher levels in women with constipation-related IBS compared to men.
Observational StudyAge-related changes in melatonin release in the murine distal colon.
Age-related decline in melatonin release in the colon may explain decreased colonic motility and offer a potential therapeutic treatment for age-related constipation.
Non-RCT
Animal StudyThe Effects of Melatonin on Colonic Transit Time in Normal Controls and IBS Patients
Melatonin may be a promising candidate for modulating bowel motility in healthy subjects and irritable bowel syndrome patients, but its effects on colonic transit time in IBS patients remain unclear.
RCTEfficiency of synthetic melatonin in comprehensive therapy of patients with a combination of irritable bowel syndrome with constipation, arterial hypertension and obesity
Synthetic melatonin combined with standard therapy effectively reduces blood pressure, improves heart rate variability, and increases bowel movement frequency in patients with obesity, irritable bowel syndrome, and arterial hypertension.
Non-RCTMelatonin's role as a co‐adjuvant treatment in colonic diseases: A review
Melatonin shows potential benefits as a co-adjuvant treatment for gastrointestinal diseases, such as IBS, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and necrotizing enterocolitis, by accelerating intestinal transit time and enhancing antioxidant defense.
Highly CitedInfluence of tianeptine on melatonin homeostasis and psychosomatic symptoms in patients with irritable bowel syndrome.
Tianaeptine does not impair melatonin homeostasis in patients with irritable bowel syndrome, reduces IBS symptoms, and improves their quality of life.
RCTMelatonin improves abdominal pain in irritable bowel syndrome patients who have sleep disturbances: a randomised, double blind, placebo controlled study
Melatonin effectively reduces abdominal pain and increases rectal pain threshold in irritable bowel syndrome patients with sleep disturbances, without affecting sleep disturbances or psychological distress.
RCT
Rigorous JournalHighly CitedMelatonin, a potential therapeutic agent for smooth muscle-related pathological conditions and aging.
Melatonin shows potential as a therapeutic agent for smooth muscle-related conditions and aging, reducing vascular tone, improving gastrointestinal transit, and restoring bladder function in old animals.
Melatonin for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome.
Melatonin is a relatively safe drug with potential in treating irritable bowel syndrome by improving abdominal pain and enhancing quality of life.
Rigorous JournalHighly Cited