Is melatonin as an ergogenic hormone a myth? a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to determine the effects of melatonin supplementation on physical performance, recovery, and whether exercise alters melatonin secretion in athletes and exercise practitioners.
Results Summary
Melatonin supplementation did not improve aerobic performance but enhanced post-exercise recovery without altering melatonin secretion.
Population
Healthy subjects, athletes, and exercise practitioners.
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
melatonin supplementation | no change | aerobic performance relative to time trial | healthy subjects | -0.04; 95% CI: -0.51 to 0.44 | did not affect | #1 |
melatonin supplementation | no change | aerobic performance relative to VO | healthy subjects | - | did not affect | #2 |
melatonin supplementation | increase | post-exercise recovery | healthy subjects | - | improves | #3 |
exercise bout or training | neutral | melatonin secretion | athletes and exercise practitioners | - | alter | #4 |
PURPOSE: Melatonin supplementation has been disclosed as an ergogenic substance. However, the effectiveness of melatonin supplementation in healthy subjects has not been systematically investigated. The present study analyzed the effects of melatonin supplementation on physical performance and recovery. In addition, it was investigated whether exercise bout or training alter melatonin secretion in athletes and exercise practitioners. METHODS: This systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted and reported according to the guidelines outlined in the PRISMA statement. Based on the search and inclusion criteria, 21 studies were included in the systematic review, and 19 were included in the meta-analysis. RESULTS: Melatonin supplementation did not affect aerobic performance relative to time trial (-0.04; 95% CI: -0.51 to 0.44) and relative to VO CONCLUSION: The data indicate that melatonin is not an ergogenic hormone. In contrast, melatonin supplementation improves post-exercise recovery, even without altering its secretion.