According to Saeednews, the head of the Monitoring and Evaluation Office for Health-Related Products at the Food and Drug Administration has issued a warning about the self-administration of dietary supplements and provided some explanations.
According to the Family Magazine Service of Saeednews, quoting Fars News Agency, Nazila Yousefi, the head of the Monitoring and Evaluation Office for Health-Related Products at the Food and Drug Administration, defined drugs and supplements by saying: "Drugs are prescribed for the treatment or prevention of diseases and usually require a doctor's prescription, while dietary supplements are used to provide essential nutrients and maintain general health, and are often available without a prescription." She further discussed the classification of melatonin as a supplement or drug, stating: "Melatonin is sold as a supplement in some countries, but in some European countries, it is only available with a doctor's prescription for certain age groups. In Iran, this product is classified as a supplement, but contrary to public belief, it is not always safe and in some cases, it requires a doctor's or pharmacist's prescription."
The head of the Monitoring and Evaluation Office for Health-Related Products at the Food and Drug Administration explained the role of melatonin in the body, saying: "Melatonin is a hormone naturally produced in the brain and is responsible for regulating the sleep-wake cycle. This hormone can be helpful in conditions such as insomnia, jet lag, or circadian rhythm disorders caused by travel and shift work changes."
Yousefi emphasized that short-term use of melatonin at low doses is generally safe, but self-medication or long-term use can lead to side effects such as headaches, dizziness, excessive drowsiness, mood changes, and even disruption of the body's natural melatonin production. She also noted the potential effects of unsupervised melatonin use on hormones related to fertility and the immune system, explaining: "Individuals who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have underlying conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or immune disorders should always consult with a doctor or pharmacist before using melatonin or any other supplement."
