What most people don’t realize, is how the constant stress of exposure to radiation/electromagnetic frequencies, exposure to toxins (in food, water, air), as well as lack of nutrients in most modern day foods, exponentially increases our bodies vitamin and mineral burn rate; making supplementing quality, isolated nutrients absolutely essential in today’s world.
Cutting-Edge Research + Traditional Wisdom
= Advanced, Effective Supplements
Take 15% off your order of high quality supplements, when you order through the link below & use discount code MAKENNALEI at check out!
Some of my favorite, foundational products include…
HIGH DOSE MELATONIN
(50mg+)
Often called “the sleep hormone,” melatonin is widely misunderstood. It’s often dismissed as a quick fix for sleep issues or lumped in with hormone therapies. But the truth is, melatonin is much more than a sleep aid. It’s a master antioxidant with profound effects on mitochondrial health, immune function, and overall longevity.
🌙 Supports deep, restorative sleep – Helps regulate circadian rhythms, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.
🔥 Reduces inflammation – Acts as a natural anti-inflammatory agent, helping to ease chronic inflammation and support overall wellness.
🛡 Powerful antioxidant defense – Protects cells from oxidative damage by neutralizing harmful free radicals.
🧠 Enhances brain function and protection – Supports cognitive health, protects neurons from oxidative stress, and may help reduce the risk of neurodegenerative conditions.
⚡ Boosts energy and resilience to stress – Helps regulate mitochondrial function, reducing fatigue and improving the body's ability to handle stress.
Let’s bust some of the biggest myths about melatonin:
MYTH #1: MELATONIN IS PRIMARILY PRODUCED BY THE PINEAL GLAND
Contrary to popular belief, only 5% of the body’s melatonin comes from the pineal gland. The vast majority, 95%, is synthesized by the mitochondria in every cell, where it plays a crucial role in cellular energy production and protection. Unlike pineal melatonin, mitochondrial melatonin is not controlled by the light-dark cycle.
MYTH #2: TAKING MELATONIN SUPPLEMENTS REDUCES NATURAL PRODUCTION
The opposite is true. Supplementing with melatonin has been shown to increase endogenous production. This happens because melatonin reactivates the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex, which is essential for producing acetyl-CoA, a key substrate for melatonin synthesis.
MYTH #3: MELATONIN IS JUST A SLEEP REGULATOR
While melatonin does help regulate circadian rhythm, its functions go far beyond sleep.
Melatonin:
🛡 Scavenges free radicals and protects against oxidative stress
⚡ Boosts ATP production, enhancing mitochondrial energy output
🍽 Supports glucose metabolism and insulin regulation
🔋 Maintains mitochondrial membrane integrity, reducing cellular aging
🦠 Modulates immune function, helping the body combat inflammation and disease
By age 15-20, melatonin levels plummet by 80%, and the decline continues throughout life. This decline, combined with chronic exposure to blue light at night and electromagnetic radiation (EMFs), may be a major driver of modern diseases.
MELATONIN & MITOCHONDRIAL INTEGRITY
Melatonin levels inside mitochondria are 100 times higher than in the bloodstream. Mitochondria, our cellular powerhouses, generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) as a byproduct of energy production. Melatonin is one of the primary compounds used by mitochondria to neutralize these free radicals, preventing oxidative damage and ensuring optimal cellular function.
Melatonin and its metabolites also:
🧪 Detoxify reactive nitrogen species
❌ Limit mitochondrial-related apoptosis (cell death)
🔄 Support efficient function of the electron transport chain (ETC)
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN MELATONIN IS DEPLETED?
When the pineal gland is removed in animal studies, melatonin levels drop but only in the blood. Mitochondrial melatonin remains unchanged, further proving its independence from the pineal gland. However, research shows that animals without pineal melatonin experience accelerated oxidative damage and cellular aging.
THE TAKEAWAY
Melatonin isn’t just for sleep. It’s essential for longevity and mitochondrial health. If your goal is cellular protection, optimal energy production, and long-term vitality, melatonin supplementation may be one of the most powerful tools in your arsenal.
If you’re interested to learn more of the research, and why myself and many others are supplementing high dose melatonin nightly, check out this podcast episode with MitoLife founder, Matt Blackburn, on Mitolife Radio.
WHY I MEGADOSE MELATONIN EVERY NIGHT - MITOLIFE RADIO PODCAST EPISODE