But it is illegal in Japan, Thailand and Malaysia. It is all a misunderstanding. Stu-dies on animals have shown that melatonin can either stimulate or inhibit reproductive organs. Melatonin Central, on the Internet, notes a number of adverse side-effects. Melatonin from a natural source may be derived from cattle.
Synthetic melatonin is less worrying, the doctors say.
But many add that even in normal, healthy adults, melatonin use can result in some minor side-effects. Nausea, disorientation, dizziness, nightmares, headaches and, oddly enough, wakefulness have been reported. Most users take the product just before they intend to fall asleep. This is why, around ten o'clock, most people begin to feel drowsy. Permanent damage, though reported only anecdotally, is also possible.