Is melatonin as an ergogenic hormone a myth? a systematic review and meta-analysis

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#melatonin #humans #performance-enhancing-substances #exercise #athletic-performance

Is melatonin as an ergogenic hormone a myth? a systematic review and meta-analysis

Drummond et al., 2024 | Endocrine | Meta Analysis

Citation

Drummond Filipe Rios, Drummond Lucas Rios, ... Coimbra Cândido Celso. Is melatonin as an ergogenic hormone a myth? a systematic review and meta-analysis. Endocrine. 2024-Feb;83(2):302-321. doi:10.1007/s12020-023-03498-1

Abstract

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 VO2 (0.00; 95% CI: -0.57 to 0.57). Also, melatonin supplementation did not affect strength performance (0.19; 95% CI: -0.28 to 0.65). Only Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx) secretion increased after melatonin supplementation (1.40; 95% CI: 0.29 to 2.51). Post-exercise melatonin secretion was not changed immediately after an exercise session (0.56; 95% CI: -0.29 to 1.41) and 60 min after exercise (0.56; 95% CI: -0.29 to 1.41). CONCLUSION: The data indicate that melatonin is not an ergogenic hormone. In contrast, melatonin supplementation improves post-exercise recovery, even without altering its secretion.

Key Findings

Melatonin supplementation did not affect aerobic performance relative to time trial (-0.04; 95% CI: -0.51 to 0.44) and relative to VO2 (0.00; 95% CI: -0.57 to 0.57). Also, melatonin supplementation did not affect strength performance (0.19; 95% CI: -0.28 to 0.65). Only Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx) secretion increased after melatonin supplementation (1.40; 95% CI: 0.29 to 2.51). Post-exercise melatonin secretion was not changed immediately after an exercise session (0.56; 95% CI: -0.29 to 1.41) a

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population healthy subjects
Sample Size 21
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Melatonin
  • Humans
  • Performance-Enhancing Substances
  • Exercise
  • Athletic Performance
  • Dietary Supplements

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review, Journal Article
  • Vertical: melatonin

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09