Melatonin's Protective Properties Against CoV-19?
As medical providers our first commitment to patients is “do
no harm”. In the absence of vaccines and proven treatment against CoV-19, we
delve into basic science research in hopes of finding common links of past
diseases that will translate into treatment solutions now.
One trend we’ve noticed is Cov-19 seems to by enlarge spare
the pediatric population. Why? What is the link? As an Integrative Provider,
I’m deep seated in root cause analysis…I asked this question over and over.
Could it be a child’s robust immune system? Protective parenting? Lack of
autoimmune diseases as a whole? No time to form bad habits like diabetes, heart
disease, obesity etc? Generally, less stress? Perhaps sleep patterns? A couple of
Integrative providers were writing about melatonin as possible treatment. It
then dawned on me. Melatonin! That could be the link with lessened or no
severity of CoV-19 in children.
The deluge of pediatric intensive care knowledge in a previous life came flooding back! We treated, in
some cases, neonates and pediatrics in the ICU with melatonin who suffered from RDS-
Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Sepsis and BPD- Bronchopulmonary dysplasia. It
appears administering Melatonin, although not a direct anti-viral, would
provide massive antioxidant protections proving to be a very capable free
radical scavenger improving outcomes.
No, Melatonin alone isn’t a cure, but it can provide
directed support in a Cov-19 induced respiratory distress scenario by inhibiting
NLRP 3 inflammasome activation. This could alleviate the acute lung
inflammation associated with this response. There are many variables to
consider given the intricacies of the immune system and the complex nature of
melatonin. However, in a high- grade inflammatory state, such as respiratory
failure or sepsis, melatonin proved to be protective of the mitochondria and
provide heavy duty antioxidant support.
Children produce more melatonin. Levels begin to decrease
during puberty and continue to dwindle as we reach adulthood. Melatonin is
secreted throughout the day in small doses with peak dosing between 2am-4am.
Optimal sleep is key to melatonin production. In addition to its immune
balancing effects, it also provides immune support against bacterial and viral
infections. As adults we just don’t produce enough of it. Add chronic illnesses, autoimmune diseases and we are already in a heightened inflammatory state on a good day.
The virus enters the lungs provoking an acute immune response. The immune system releases interleukins (IL). IL
activates increased oxidative stress. If the body has onboard enough
antioxidants like melatonin and others to temper the inflammation, the person
recovers. If not, then the inflammatory response spirals into a cytokine storm
creating even more inflammation causing,among other things, leaky capillaries and increased extra
cellular fluid making it a struggle to breath. The person could quickly develop
respiratory distress syndrome if not quelled quickly. Melatonin supplementation could prove to
dampen the inflammatory effects by blocking some of the inflammatory release.
Perhaps supplementing with Melatonin every evening could
provide some protection? I recommend that you always discuss any
supplementation with your medical provider first. With the well proven safety
profile, I personally feel that everyone could benefit.
Photo credit: Zhang et al.
A Few Research Studies to Get You Started:
COVID-19: Melatonin as a potential adjuvant tRuiZhangaXuebinWangaLengNiaXiaoDiaBaitaoMaaShuaiNiuaChangweiLiuaRussel J.Reiterb
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lfs.2020.117583
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