Scientists: Common sleep aid could be used to help prevent or treat COVID-19
"People who take melatonin are nearly 28% less likely to test positive for COVID"
By Joseph Curl
Updated: December 30, 2020 - 2:25pm
Researchers at the renowned Cleveland Clinic say melatonin, a dietary supplement that is used as a sleep aid for people suffering from insomnia, could be employed to help prevent or treat COVID-19.
Melatonin was associated with a nearly 30% reduction in the likelihood of contracting the virus, the scientists said in research published in the journal PLOS Biology, KIRO-TV reported.
"Lead researcher Dr. Feixiong Cheng, Ph.D., and his team used artificial intelligence to comb through a COVID-19 registry at the Cleveland Clinic, which included nearly 27,000 people. They found people who take melatonin are nearly 28% less likely to test positive for COVID," the station reported.
The study also found melatonin usage "is associated with a 52% reduced likelihood of a positive laboratory test result for SARS-CoV-2 in African Americans.â€
The researchers, though, said more studies are needed to determine if the over-the-counter supplement would be effective.
“It is very important to note these findings do not suggest people should start to take melatonin without consulting their physician,†Cheng said in a statement, WebMD reported.
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