Melatonin 1 mg
Source Naturals
Melatonin 1 mg
Melatonin 3 mg
Score 65.0
Misleading label (1mg name, 3mg actual), good value if 3mg is desired, but a transparency issue.
Quantity: 100 Tablet(s) • (33 servings)
Goals:
Anti-Aging
General Health
Immunity
Sleep Support
Brain Health
Score 65.0
Misleading label (1mg name, 3mg actual), good value if 3mg is desired, but a transparency issue.
Analysis
Source Naturals Melatonin is problematic because its product name claims '1 mg,' but the ingredient list clearly states '3.00mg' of melatonin per serving. This inconsistency is a major issue for consumer transparency and safe dosing. Assuming the ingredient list is correct, 3 mg is a widely effective dose at an excellent price. However, the mislabeling means consumers might unknowingly take a higher dose than intended, leading to potential side effects. It also includes calcium as a filler.
Pros
- If the ingredient list is accurate (3 mg melatonin), it provides an effective dose at a very good price point.
- From a reputable brand (Source Naturals).
Cons
- Major discrepancy between the product name (1 mg) and the ingredient quantity listed (3 mg), leading to potential misdosing and consumer confusion.
- Contains Calcium as a filler, which is not directly beneficial for sleep.
Warnings
- The significant discrepancy between the product name and actual melatonin content is a serious concern for proper dosage and consumer safety. Verify actual dosage before use.
- Melatonin can cause drowsiness; do not drive or operate machinery after taking.
$5.52($0.16 per serving)
 iHerb | $ 5.52 | |
 Pure Formulas | $ 6.13 | |
 Vitacost | $ 6.13 |
Effectiveness for goals
Melatonin is a hormone that helps regulate the body's sleep-wake cycle. Supplementing with melatonin may help some individuals fall asleep more easily, especially if their natural melatonin production is disrupted or their sleep cycle is off. Its effectiveness can vary among individuals.
Yes, melatonin is a hormone naturally produced by the body to regulate the sleep-wake cycle, also known as the circadian rhythm. Supplementation can help reinforce the body's natural sleep signals, especially when the cycle is disrupted due to factors like travel or irregular schedules. This can aid in establishing a more consistent sleep pattern.
Research suggests that melatonin may be modestly effective for certain types of insomnia, particularly primary insomnia or sleep-onset insomnia. It might be more beneficial for individuals with low melatonin levels or circadian rhythm disorders. However, it's not considered a universal solution for all forms of insomnia.
Melatonin typically begins to take effect within 30 to 60 minutes after ingestion, as it needs time to be absorbed and circulate throughout the body. The precise onset of action can depend on the individual's metabolism, the dose taken, and the specific formulation. It is often recommended to take it approximately an hour before the desired bedtime.
Studies indicate that melatonin can help reduce sleep latency, meaning it may help individuals fall asleep more quickly. This effect is often more pronounced in people with delayed sleep-wake phase disorder or those experiencing jet lag. The degree of reduction in sleep onset time can vary among individuals.
Dosage, timing & forms
Common starting dosages for melatonin often range from 0.5 mg to 5 mg, although some individuals may use higher amounts. It is generally advised to begin with the lowest effective dose to assess individual response. The optimal dose can vary significantly among individuals.
Melatonin is generally recommended to be taken 30 minutes to one hour before the desired bedtime. This allows the body sufficient time to absorb the supplement and signal sleep. Optimal timing can be adjusted based on individual response and the specific product's absorption rate.
Melatonin is typically taken about 30 minutes to 2 hours before the desired bedtime. This timing allows the body to absorb the supplement and for its effects to begin, mimicking the natural increase in melatonin levels in the evening. Adjusting the timing based on individual response can optimize its effectiveness.
Common starting doses for melatonin typically range from 0.5 mg to 5 mg for general sleep support. It is often recommended to begin with the lowest effective dose to assess individual response. Individual needs and sensitivities can vary significantly.
The long-term safety of daily melatonin use is still an area of ongoing research, especially in healthy adults. While generally considered safe for short-term use, consulting a healthcare professional for extended daily use is often advised. Some studies suggest it does not lose effectiveness over moderate periods.
Safety & interactions
Common side effects can include drowsiness, dizziness, headache, and nausea. Less common effects might involve short-lived feelings of depression or mild tremors. These effects are generally mild and temporary.
Common side effects of melatonin may include drowsiness, dizziness, headache, and nausea. These effects are usually mild and temporary. It is important to monitor how your body responds to melatonin.
Short-term use of melatonin appears to be generally safe for most people. The safety of long-term use (beyond a few months) is less well-established, and more research is needed to fully understand its effects. It's often recommended to use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration necessary.
Melatonin use in children should be approached with caution and ideally under professional guidance. While some studies suggest short-term safety for specific conditions, long-term effects on development are not fully understood. Pediatricians can offer individualized advice on its appropriateness.
Melatonin can cause drowsiness and may impair your ability to drive or operate machinery. It is generally advised to avoid these activities for several hours after taking melatonin. Assess your individual response before engaging in tasks requiring alertness.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
Calcium | 90 mg |
Melatonin | 3 mg |
Adults 18–50 Women
Report overviewCategories
Melatonin 60.0
Despite potentially good value, the critical mislabeling regarding the melatonin dosage significantly reduces its standing within the collection, making it a less trustworthy option for consumers.
Goals
Sleep Support 80.0
If the true dose is 3 mg as listed in ingredients, it's an effective amount for sleep. However, the mislabeling significantly impacts confidence in consistent and accurate sleep support, making it less reliable than clearly labeled products.
Stress Relief 75.0
Assuming an effective 3 mg dose, improved sleep can significantly reduce stress levels by supporting mental recovery and emotional balance. It helps regulate the body's natural sleep-wake cycle.
Anti-Aging 20.0
While melatonin has antioxidant properties, its direct anti-aging effects at this dosage are not conclusively proven. The product is not primarily formulated for anti-aging benefits.
Recommended Alternatives
88 Value 
Melatonin 3 mg
Nature Made
Offers the same 3mg melatonin dose at an exceptionally low price per serving (0.03 vs 0.05), providing outstanding value for a widely used dosage from a trusted brand.
82 Value 
Melatonin 3 mg
NOW
Provides the same 3mg melatonin dose at a slightly lower price per serving (0.04 vs 0.05) and includes Vitamin B6, which supports the body's natural melatonin production, enhancing its value.
85 Value 
Melatonin 5 mg
NOW
Delivers a slightly higher 5mg melatonin dose for a very competitive price per serving (0.07 vs 0.05), offering a good step up in potency for a minor increase in cost.
80 Performance 
Sleep Nighttime Powder
youtheory
Offers a comprehensive blend of amino acids and minerals (L-5-HTP, L-Theanine, L-Tryptophan, L-Glycine, Magnesium) with a lower, more physiologically appropriate melatonin dose (0.3mg), which nutritionists often recommend over isolated melatonin for a balanced approach.
90 Performance 
Ortho Sleep
AOR Advanced Orthomolecular Research Advanced
Combines 3mg melatonin with a robust array of synergistic ingredients (Passionflower, 5-HTP, GABA, Valerian, L-Theanine, Lemon Balm), offering a more comprehensive and potentially more effective solution for complex sleep issues than melatonin alone.
92 Performance 
Insomnitol
Designs for Health
Features 3mg melatonin alongside a highly comprehensive and well-dosed blend of GABA, Chamomile, 5-HTP, L-Theanine, Valerian, B6, Lemon Balm, and Passion Flower, providing superior support for deep relaxation and sleep from a professional-grade brand.
88 Budget
Melatonin 3 mg
Nature Made
Offers the same 3mg melatonin dose at a significantly lower price per serving (0.03 vs 0.05), providing superior cost efficiency from a well-known brand.
80 Budget 
Melatonin 3 mg
Swanson Premium Brand
Provides the same 3mg melatonin dose for a lower price per serving (0.04 vs 0.05), offering a more affordable option.
80 Budget 
Melatonin 3 mg
Swanson
Delivers the same 3mg melatonin dose at a significantly lower price per serving (0.03 vs 0.05), representing better overall value for a common dose.
88 Value
Melatonin 3 mg
Nature Made
Offers the same 3mg melatonin dose at an exceptionally low price per serving (0.03 vs 0.05), providing outstanding value for a widely used dosage from a trusted brand.
82 Value
Melatonin 3 mg
NOW
Provides the same 3mg melatonin dose at a slightly lower price per serving (0.04 vs 0.05) and includes Vitamin B6, which supports the body's natural melatonin production, enhancing its value.
85 Value
Melatonin 5 mg
NOW
Delivers a slightly higher 5mg melatonin dose for a very competitive price per serving (0.07 vs 0.05), offering a good step up in potency for a minor increase in cost.
80 Performance
Sleep Nighttime Powder
youtheory
Offers a comprehensive blend of amino acids and minerals (L-5-HTP, L-Theanine, L-Tryptophan, L-Glycine, Magnesium) with a lower, more physiologically appropriate melatonin dose (0.3mg), which nutritionists often recommend over isolated melatonin for a balanced approach.
90 Performance
Ortho Sleep
AOR Advanced Orthomolecular Research Advanced
Combines 3mg melatonin with a robust array of synergistic ingredients (Passionflower, 5-HTP, GABA, Valerian, L-Theanine, Lemon Balm), offering a more comprehensive and potentially more effective solution for complex sleep issues than melatonin alone.
92 Performance
Insomnitol
Designs for Health
Features 3mg melatonin alongside a highly comprehensive and well-dosed blend of GABA, Chamomile, 5-HTP, L-Theanine, Valerian, B6, Lemon Balm, and Passion Flower, providing superior support for deep relaxation and sleep from a professional-grade brand.