A new Cleveland Clinic study suggests that the over-the-counter sleep aid melatonin may be helpful in treating or preventing Covid-19. In a review of nearly 27,000 patients in Cleveland Clinic’s COVID-19 registry, the study team discovered that those patients who were taking melatonin were 28% less likely to test positive for the infection. The study adjusted for age, race, smoking history and various pre-exisiting conditions. African American patients were 58% less likely to test positive.
Other groups are also studying the relationship between melatonin and Covid-19, with eight clinical trials currently underway around the world.
The exact mechanism by which melatonin may be effective is still unclear. It may not even be the supplement itself that is effective but rather that those taking it may simply be getting better sleep. The study's lead researcher, Dr. Feixiong Cheng, suggests that the results are linked to the fact that melatonin plays a role in regulating the immune system. But, says Dr. Cheng, “It’s important to note that this doesn’t mean people should start taking melatonin without first consulting with their health care provider. We’re excited about these results and to study that connection more, but large-scale observational studies and randomized controlled trials are essential to confirm what we’ve found here.”
If further trials confirm these initial results, melatonin will instantly become the cheapest and most widely available treatment for Covid.
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