IS EXPIRED MELATONIN SAFE? UNRAVELING THE TRUTH BEHIND AN OFT-DEBATED QUESTION
Melatonin, commonly known as the “sleep hormone”, is a naturally occurring hormone in the human body, playing a vital role in regulating sleep-wake cycles. As a popular over-the-counter supplement, melatonin is widely used to alleviate insomnia, sleep disturbances, and jet lag symptoms. However, like many medications and dietary supplements, melatonin has an expiration date indicated on its packaging. This raises an important question: Is expired melatonin safe to use?
In this article, we will explore expired melatonin and the various factors that affect its safety and effectiveness. We will examine the chemical composition of melatonin, how it degrades over time, potential risks associated with using expired melatonin, and practical guidelines for the proper storage and disposal of this supplement. Let’s shed light on this oft-debated question, with a comprehensive understanding of expired melatonin to help you make informed decisions regarding its usage.
Note: we are not medical, nor pharmaceutical professionals. Please consult your pharmacist for questions on expired melatonin. This article was written based on research. Sources listed below.
Table of Contents
The Chemistry of Melatonin
To comprehend the safety of taking expired melatonin, it is essential to understand its chemical composition and how it changes over time.
Natural melatonin is a hormone synthesized by the pineal gland in the brain, in response to darkness. While mostly known as the “hormone of darkness” or more commonly, the “sleep hormone,” it has many other benefits including: “anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anticoagulopathic properties.” Did you know that it was even used to combat the deadly Ebola disease?
Its synthetic form is commonly available as an oral supplement, sold as an over-the-counter supplement for kids and adults, under several forms, including gummies, syrups, pills, or vaporizers. As a pharmaceutical product, melatonin is subject to stability testing to determine its shelf life.
Melatonin’s stability largely depends on various factors, including temperature, exposure to light and air, and the presence of moisture. Over time, melatonin can undergo chemical degradation, leading to a decrease in its potency (how efficiently it works). This degradation process primarily involves oxidation, hydrolysis, and isomerization reactions. Consequently, the product’s effectiveness may diminish beyond its expiration date.
Once opened, melatonin should be fully consumed (per package instructions) within 1 to 3 years. After that, or after the expiry date written on the box, which ever comes first, your melatonin is considered expired.
Note that since the medical community considers melatonin a dietary supplement similar to vitamins and minerals, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate the quality or dosage of over-the-counter melatonin. For that reason, we recommend purchasing melatonin from reputable and trusted sources and manufacturers only.
Safety Concerns of Expired Melatonin
The safety concerns associated with expired melatonin primarily revolve around the potential loss of potency and the development of harmful byproducts.In pharmacology, a decrease in potency relates to the decrease in efficacy of a drug. Potency defines “the amount of drug necessary to produce a biological response of a certain magnitude.”
While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires manufacturers to determine the stability of their products and assign expiration dates, the risks of using expired melatonin are not well-documented.
When melatonin expires, its potency may decrease, resulting in reduced effectiveness. This can lead to inadequate sleep regulation or ineffective management of sleep-related disorders. in other words, your regular intake of melatonin will have less effect than expected.
However, it is important to note that expired melatonin is unlikely to cause immediate harm or serious adverse effects, as it is a dietary supplement.
One of the main risks of using expired melatonin is the potential presence of harmful degradation products. These byproducts may be formed during the degradation process and could have adverse effects on the body. Although the exact nature and toxicity of these degradation products are not extensively studied, it is prudent to exercise caution and avoid using expired melatonin to mitigate any potential risks.
From research, most sources state that expired melatonin “could still interact with anticoagulants and other supplements,” and that it is best to avoid ingesting expired melatonin.
If you notice new side effects, or if you notice that your expired melatonin is no longer treating you for your insomnia or other sleep-related disturbances, you should discard the supplement. As there is very little amounts of synthetic melatonin in a regular OTC pill, even a small decrease in its potency could render it completely useless.
Do not try to take more pills to combat a potential decrease in efficacy of your expired melatonin. Individual pills will see irregular decreases in potency, and there will be no way of knowing whether you are still under-dosing, or instead over-dosing, on melatonin.
Factors Influencing Melatonin's Stability
Several factors can influence the stability of melatonin, both before and after its expiration date. Understanding these factors can help determine whether expired melatonin remains safe and effective for use, and if/when you should discard it.
Storage conditions: Temperature, exposure to light, humidity, and air can all impact the stability of melatonin. Storing melatonin in a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a medicine cabinet, can help prolong its shelf life and maintain its potency longer.
Packaging: The quality of the packaging, such as the material and design, can influence how well melatonin is protected from external factors that could accelerate its degradation. Manufacturers often use opaque, airtight containers to minimize light and air exposure, which can help preserve the supplement’s quality.
Shelf life determination: Manufacturers determine the expiration date of melatonin based on stability testing. The assigned date provides an estimate of how long the product will retain its potency under normal storage conditions. Look for the expiry date on the side of the bottle, on its cap, or at its bottom.
Proper Storage and Disposal
To ensure the safety and effectiveness of melatonin, proper storage and disposal practices should be followed.
When storing melatonin, we recommend keeping it in its original packaging, especially if a thick and opaque plastic container, and storing it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. A medicine cabinet, or a dry and cool drawer will work great. Avoid very humid environments such as bathrooms and laundry rooms, and always ensure all medicine and supplements are locked away from children.
Avoid exposing the supplement to extreme temperatures, as this can accelerate its degradation.
Based on the International Journal of Engineering, however, the single most important aspect of storing melatonin for longer shelf life, is to keep it in an airtight container. Light and temperatures seem to have less of an impact than air, no matter the temperature. Keeping your melatonin in an open container may see degradation ocurring as early as day 2.
When disposing of expired melatonin, it is recommended to follow local guidelines for medication disposal. Many pharmacies and healthcare facilities offer safe disposal programs for expired medications, including melatonin. Flushing expired melatonin down the toilet or throwing it in the trash can lead to environmental contamination and potential health hazards.
- If your expired melatonin is still in its original container, close it shut and discard the whole bottle in the trash
- If you no longer have the bottle, enclose your expired melatonin in a Ziploc filled with ground coffee or cat litter, and dispose in your regular trash can
Is Expired Melatonin Safe?
The question of whether expired melatonin is safe remains a subject of debate. While using melatonin beyond its expiration date may result in reduced potency and potential risks associated with degradation products, it is unlikely to cause immediate harm or serious adverse effects. However, to ensure optimal safety and efficacy, it is advisable to adhere to the expiration dates indicated on the product packaging.
To maintain the integrity of melatonin, proper storage practices should be followed, including storing it in a cool, dry, and dark place, and keeping it in its original airtight container at all times.
Additionally, it is essential to dispose of expired melatonin properly through designated programs to prevent environmental contamination. You may also trash it in its container, in your household trash. Discarding pills on their own would have a detrimental effect on the planet, its water and animals.
Given the limited research on the effects of expired melatonin, consulting with a healthcare professional is recommended for individuals concerned about its usage. They can provide personalized guidance and recommend alternative options if necessary.
In conclusion, while the safety and effectiveness of expired melatonin may be compromised, taking appropriate precautions and understanding the potential risks can help individuals make informed decisions regarding its usage. And remember not to take more pills than prescribed, based on reduced potency, as you may still under- or over-dose on them, since potency will vary from pill to pill.
References
- PubMed Central. (2015). Melatonin, the Hormone of Darkness: From Sleep Promotion to Ebola Treatment. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4334454/
- Study.com. (2022). Pharmacology Terms: Potency, Efficacy & Affinity. Retrieved from https://study.com/learn/lesson/pharmacology-terms-potency-efficacy-affinity.html
- Health Research Policy. (2023). What Happens When You Use Expired Supplements Like Melatonin. Retrieved from https://www.healthresearchpolicy.org/melatonin-expire/
- Medical News Today. (2023). How Long Does Melatonin Last. Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/how-long-does-melatonin-last#how-long-it-lasts
- National Library of Medicine. (2021). Study on the Optimal Conditions for Long-Term Storage of Melatonin Powder as an In-Hospital Preparation. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34125717/
- International Journal of Engineering. (2014). The Influence of Storage Conditions on Melatonin Stability. Retrieved from https://www.ijert.org/research/the-influence-of-storage-conditions-on-melatonin-stability-IJERTV3IS031228.pdf
FAQ
Most frequent questions and answers
While expired melatonin is unlikely to cause immediate harm, its potency may decrease, leading to reduced effectiveness. Additionally, there may be a risk of harmful degradation products present in expired melatonin, although the exact nature and toxicity of these byproducts are not extensively studied.
The appearance and smell of melatonin may not be reliable indicators of its safety and effectiveness. Even if expired melatonin appears fine, it is still advisable to adhere to the expiration date and not use it beyond that point, though there are few risks associated with ingesting expired melatonin, outside of lower potency.
The main risks associated with expired melatonin involve reduced potency and the presence of potentially harmful degradation products. These byproducts may have adverse effects on the body, although their exact impact is not well-documented. It is generally ok to consume expired melatonin.
Melatonin should be stored in a cool, dry, and dark place,such as a medicine cabinet, inside an airtight container, to minimize exposure to light, heat, moisture, and air. Proper storage can help maintain its potency and extend its shelf life.
Expired melatonin should be disposed of following local guidelines for medication disposal. Many pharmacies and healthcare facilities offer safe disposal programs for expired medications, including melatonin. It is important to avoid flushing it down the toilet or throwing it in the trash, as these methods can lead to environmental contamination.
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Can expired melatonin be harmful?
While expired melatonin is unlikely to cause immediate harm, its potency may decrease, leading to reduced effectiveness. Additionally, there may be a risk of harmful degradation products present in expired melatonin, although the exact nature and toxicity of these byproducts are not extensively studied.
Can expired melatonin be used if it still looks and smells fine?
The appearance and smell of melatonin may not be reliable indicators of its safety and effectiveness. Even if expired melatonin appears fine, it is still advisable to adhere to the expiration date and not use it beyond that point, though there are few risks associated with ingesting expired melatonin, outside of lower potency.
What are the potential risks of using expired melatonin?
The main risks associated with expired melatonin involve reduced potency and the presence of potentially harmful degradation products. These byproducts may have adverse effects on the body, although their exact impact is not well-documented. It is generally ok to consume expired melatonin.
How should melatonin be stored to maximize its shelf life?
Melatonin should be stored in a cool, dry, and dark place,such as a medicine cabinet, inside an airtight container, to minimize exposure to light, heat, moisture, and air. Proper storage can help maintain its potency and extend its shelf life.
What is the recommended method for disposing of expired melatonin?
Expired melatonin should be disposed of following local guidelines for medication disposal. Many pharmacies and healthcare facilities offer safe disposal programs for expired medications, including melatonin. It is important to avoid flushing it down the toilet or throwing it in the trash, as these methods can lead to environmental contamination.
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Laura Georgieff
Laura is a mother of three who did not sleep through the night for the first 5.5 years of her kids' lives. She is passionate about sleep quality and loves sharing her experience and knowledge of all thing bedding! It is her mission to help you make the best decisions when it comes to sleep and help you get the best deal on the market!
