Melatonin supplements may help strengthen the bones, new study suggests

Melatonin supplements could help strengthen the bones of older people, says a new international study published in Rejuvenation Research.
We already know that melatonin, an antioxidant made by a small gland in the brain, regulates bone mass. But until now, little research has been done into the link.
So scientists looked at the effects of melatonin supplements on the bones of older rats. They found that rats given melatonin for 10 weeks (which equates to about six years in humans) had higher bone volume and density (so were less likely to break or fracture) than rats not given supplements.
“These compelling results are the first evidence indicating that dietary melatonin supplementation is able to exert beneficial effects against age-related bone loss in old rats; improving the microstructure and biomechanical properties of aged bones,” the scientists conclude.
Although the finding suggests that melatonin could be useful in combating osteoporosis and other conditions that involve the weakening of bones, no trials have yet been done on humans so it’s too early to say for sure.
To read the original research click here.