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A meta-analytic approach to quantify the dose-response relationship between melatonin and core temperature
1Sport and Exercise Research Group, Edge Hill University, St. Helens Road, Ormskirk, Lancashire L39 4QP, UK. marrink@edgehill.ac.uk
European Journal of Applied Physiology
|June 18, 2013
Summary
Melatonin lowers core body temperature, with a 5mg dose reducing it by approximately 0.2°C. Higher doses offer minimal additional cooling benefits and may increase sleepiness.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Endocrinology
- Thermoregulation
Background:
- Melatonin's potential as a pre-cooling strategy for athletes is hindered by an unclear human dose-response relationship.
- Existing studies have limitations including small sample sizes, varied sexes, and different temperature measurement sites.
Purpose of the Study:
- To meta-analyze the effects of exogenous melatonin on core body temperature.
- To quantify the melatonin-temperature dose-response relationship.
- To investigate the influence of moderating variables like sex and measurement site.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was conducted.
- A meta-analysis of 30 datasets involving 193 participants and 405 melatonin ingestions was performed.
- Data were analyzed to determine the mean difference in core temperature between melatonin and placebo conditions, weighted by standard error.
Main Results:
- A pooled mean reduction in core body temperature of 0.21°C (0.18-0.24°C) was observed.
- A logarithmic dose-response relationship between melatonin and its temperature-lowering effect was identified (P < 0.0001).
- A 5mg dose of melatonin reduced temperature by approximately 0.22°C, with negligible further reduction at higher doses. Oral temperature showed a smaller reduction (0.13°C) compared to tympanic (0.26°C) and rectal (0.22°C) measurements.
Conclusions:
- A logarithmic dose-response relationship exists for melatonin's hypothermic effects.
- A 5mg dose of melatonin effectively lowers core body temperature by about 0.2°C.
- Higher melatonin doses do not significantly enhance hypothermic effects and may increase soporific side effects, suggesting 5mg as an optimal dose for athletes.
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