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4 clusters · 17 sources · 50 days · First seen · Last updated

Melatonin use and heart failure risk study

Overview

A preliminary observational study presented at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions suggested a potential link between long-term melatonin use and an increased risk of heart failure. Analyzing 130,828 adults with insomnia, researchers found that those using the supplement for at least 12 months had approximately an 89% to 90% higher probability of developing heart failure within five years compared to non-users. Specifically, heart failure occurred in 4.6% of the melatonin-using group, compared to 2.7% in the control group. Lead researcher Ekenedilichukwu Nnadi noted that ‘melatonin supplements might not be as harmless as is commonly believed.’

Subsequent reporting emphasized that the study does not prove a cause-and-effect relationship. The observed association may result from ‘confounding by indication,’ meaning the underlying conditions requiring melatonin—such as anxiety, depression, or chronic insomnia—could be the actual drivers of cardiovascular risk. Additionally, the findings were presented as a conference abstract and had not yet undergone full peer review. Common side effects of melatonin, such as daytime drowsiness, headaches, dizziness, and nausea, were also noted.

Recent scientific research has begun to reshape the debate regarding melatonin safety. While the initial study raised concerns, newer randomized controlled studies have not confirmed that melatonin causes heart damage. Furthermore, a recent meta-analysis suggests that the supplement may offer potential positive effects for certain patient groups.

Entities

American Heart Association · Ekenedilichukwu Nnadi · Circulation · Premium Medical Circle

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

Timeline

  1. [HEALTH] 7 sources
    Prolonged melatonin use linked to 89% higher heart failure risk

    A study of over 130,000 adults suggests that using melatonin for at least one year is associated with an 89% higher risk of heart failure and increased rates of hospitalization.

  2. [HEALTH] 6 sources
    Melatonin research challenges heart failure risk concerns

    New research challenges previous concerns that long-term melatonin use increases heart failure risk, with recent studies finding no confirmed harm and potential benefits for some groups.

  3. [HEALTH] 2 sources
    Melatonin use linked to heart failure risks in observational study

    A study suggests a potential link between long-term melatonin use and heart failure, though researchers warn it may be due to underlying sleep disorders rather than the supplement itself.

  4. [HEALTH] 2 sources
    Melatonin use linked to increased heart failure risk

    A study suggests long-term melatonin use for insomnia may increase the risk of heart failure by approximately 90% over five years, according to research presented to the American Heart Association.

Sources

023.hr · actualidad.rt.com · ad-hoc-news.de · brasilemfolhas.com.br · contilnetnoticias.com.br · diarioonline.com.br · fehmarn24.de · hna.de · infinitynews.it · kids.pplware.sapo.pt · leinetal24.de · mannheim24.de · merkur.de · microbiologiaitalia.it · netcost-security.fr · precision.com.do · sapo.pt

This summary has been updated 2 times: see revision history