Vitamin D3 isn’t the only hormone with dozens of metabolites, endogenous melatonin also has more than a dozen identified metabolites
Counting both enzymatic and non-enzymatic pathways, researchers have cataloged at least 10-15 distinct melatonin metabolites, and the list keeps growing as metabolomics improves
Just like Vitamin D, we’re talking about a complex network with storage forms, active forms, and downstream derivatives that have a powerful impact on systemic health, especially mitochondrial function and immunity
Melatonin metabolism operates on two parallel levels:
1. Sub-cellular/local form (inside mitochondria, cells, and tissues)
2. Systemic/circulatory (pineal secretion into the bloodstream, measurable in urine or plasma)
The first is made by NIR light outside during the day, while the second is made from nighttime darkness
Melatonin is a master circadian hormone that is married to the light and dark cycle, meaning circadian alignment fosters both forms while circadian disruption destroys them
More than ever, you need to abide by bright days under full spectrum sunlight and dark nights with very minimal circadian lighting
After all, don’t you want to take advantage of endogenous melatonin’s benefits
We’re talking about anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, anti-viral, anti-neurodegenerative, anti-metabolic dysfunction, anti-oxidant, and more
Melatonin is one of the most potent and versatile antioxidants in the human body, far stronger and more strategic than most dietary antioxidants like vitamin C or E
It’s in a league of its own
It neutralizes multiple types of reactive species (ROS, RNS, RCS), not just one or two like many antioxidants. It can directly quench hydroxyl radicals, peroxynitrite, singlet oxygen, nitric oxide, and more.. with no pro-oxidant rebound
Unlike vitamin C, which can flip into a pro-oxidant under certain conditions, melatonin never does
Melatonin is both water (hydrophilic) and fat (lipophilic) soluble. This grants it access to move freely through cell membranes, blood, cytosol, and mitochondria. Most antioxidants are stuck in one compartment, melatonin patrols them all
It’s one of the few antioxidants that can get into mitochondria, where most free radicals are generated. It stabilizes the inner membrane, supports electron transport, and prevents oxidative chain reactions at their source
I think the most shocking fact about it is that over 95% of your melatonin is made inside your mitochondria, not in your pineal gland, and it’s produced during the day, not just at night
Mainstream medicine still hasn’t caught up to that truth
Put some respect on endogenous melatonin