SynthesisFrontiers in nutrition2026
Timing-dependent effects of melatonin supplementation on exercise performance and exercise-induced muscle damage: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Synthesis in Frontiers in nutrition, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
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6 authors.
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Abstract
Background: Melatonin, an endogenous neurohormone with both chronobiotic and antioxidant properties, has been proposed as a nutritional aid for recovery and performance optimization. However, its timing-dependent effects on athletic performance remain unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the timing-dependent effects of melatonin supplementation on exercise performance and exercise-induced muscle damage in athletes and physically active individuals. Methods: A comprehensive search of PubMed, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, and Cochrane Library was conducted from inception to September 2025. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in English examining melatonin versus placebo effects on athletic performance and muscle damage biomarkers were included. Results: In total, 19 RCTs involving 266 participants met the inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis revealed small effects on explosive power (SMD = 0.29, 95% CI: 0.05 to 0.53, Conclusion: These findings suggest that melatonin supplementation, particularly when administered in the evening with adequate timing intervals, enhances endurance performance and reduces exercise-induced muscle damage in athletes during intensive training periods. Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD420251178430, Identifier (CRD420251178430).
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