Melatonin, known as the “darkness hormone,” is not only produced in the pineal gland but also in the gut —by specialized cells and even certain bacteria. This gut melatonin production is closely linked to the composition of the microbiota, which is influenced by diet and metabolic byproducts.
Foods rich in tryptophan or melatonin, such as eggs, nuts, or fish, can promote these processes. These dietary choices may not only positively impact your sleep but also strengthen your immune system, support gut barrier function, and regulate inflammation.
A new review article provides a detailed overview of the connection between microbiota, diet, and melatonin. This research contributes to a deeper understanding and ultimately supports targeted measures to improve gut health through nutrition or other interventions. It offers valuable insights for mitigating or preventing sleep and health disorders.
Podcast
Thank you
To Petra Zimmermann, Benoît Pugin and Nicholas Bokulich for a phantastic collaboration.
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Image: OpenAI’s DALL·E, facilitated by ChatGPT