NOW Foods Liquid Melatonin 2 fl oz

What it is

NOW® Liquid Melatonin is a dietary supplement liquid that supplies 3 mg of melatonin in a 0.9 mL serving, sold in a 2 fl. oz. (59 mL) amber bottle. The front of the label identifies it as a dietary supplement and marks it Vegetarian/Vegan and Non-GMO, and the bottle is banded "General Health." The serving is measured out of the bottle rather than counted. You can find it alongside the rest of our supplements range.

The Supplement Facts panel states a serving size of 0.9 mL — written on the label as approximately 1/4 teaspoon, or about 20 drops — and about 66 servings in the bottle. Those two figures reconcile against the net volume: 59 mL divided by 0.9 mL per serving comes to roughly 66, which is the figure the panel prints. The panel also carries the line "Family owned since 1968."

What's inside

There is one active ingredient on the panel. Melatonin is a compound produced naturally in the human body, and it is also manufactured for use in supplements; here it appears as a single row at 3 mg per serving, carried in a flavored liquid base. The panel marks that row with a double asterisk and prints "Daily Value not established," which is the standard notation for a nutrient that has no reference intake set.

The rest of the bottle is the liquid base itself, listed under "Other ingredients" as: Water, Vegetable Glycerin, Fructose, Xylitol, Organic Cane Alcohol (6%), Natural Flavors, Potassium Sorbate (as preservative), Citric Acid, Malic Acid and Lemon Oil (Citrus limon).

A few of those are worth knowing by name. Vegetable glycerin is a clear, syrupy liquid widely used as a carrier in liquid supplements. Fructose is a simple sugar found in fruit, and xylitol is a sugar alcohol — the label carries a specific warning about xylitol, noted in the safety section below. Organic cane alcohol is declared at 6% of the formula, and the caution panel separately states "Contains alcohol." Lemon oil is pressed from the peel of the lemon, and the panel gives its botanical name, Citrus limon. Potassium sorbate is the only ingredient the panel assigns a role to, listing it "(as preservative)"; the panel assigns no role to the others, so neither do we. General background on how supplement labels are written and read is available from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements consumer overview; neither refers to this product.

How to use it

The label's Suggested Usage reads: "Shake well. Take 1/4 teaspoon (~ 20 drops) just prior to bedtime. Take directly or add to your favorite beverage." Shaking first matters with a flavored liquid of this kind, and the two delivery options — straight from the bottle or stirred into a drink — are both printed on the pack. Follow the serving on the label and do not exceed it.

The panel notes that "Natural color variation may occur in this product," so a difference in shade between bottles is expected and is not a fault. No storage instruction is printed on this label beyond the general cautions.

Who it's for

This is a product for adults 18 and over; the caution panel states "For adults only at bedtime." It will suit someone who prefers a liquid format to swallowing a capsule or tablet, or who would rather add a supplement to a drink than take a solid dose. The label marks it Vegetarian/Vegan, so it fits plant-based diets, and the allergen statement will matter to anyone avoiding the listed allergens. Browse related items in Health & Wellness.

Good to know

The full caution printed on the bottle reads: "For adults only at bedtime. Not for pregnant or nursing women. May cause drowsiness. Do not use in conjunction with alcoholic beverages, when driving a vehicle, or while operating machinery. Consult physician if taking medication (especially sedatives and anti-depressants) or have a medical condition (including depression, high blood pressure and epilepsy). Contains alcohol. Keep out of reach of children. Contains Xylitol, which is harmful to pets."

That last line is worth repeating on its own: the product contains xylitol, and the label states it is harmful to pets. Store and use it where animals cannot reach it. The alcohol declaration matters too — organic cane alcohol is listed at 6%, and the same caution tells you not to combine the product with alcoholic beverages.

On allergens the label states: "Not manufactured with wheat, gluten, soy, milk, egg, fish or shellfish ingredients. Produced in a GMP facility that processes other ingredients containing these allergens." The bottle also carries a GMP Quality Assured seal; no certifying body is named on the bottle itself. The pack gives the maker as "Manufactured & Quality Tested by NOW FOODS, 395 S. Glen Ellyn Rd., Bloomingdale, IL 60108, USA." For general guidance on using supplements safely, the NCCIH overview of dietary and herbal supplements and the FDA's questions and answers on dietary supplements are useful starting points; neither is a comment on this product.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many servings are in the bottle?

The Supplement Facts panel states about 66 servings. That figure follows from the net volume of 59 mL at a 0.9 mL serving size, which works out to roughly 66.

How do I measure one serving?

One serving is 0.9 mL, which the Serving Size row describes as approximately 1/4 teaspoon or about 20 drops. The bottle dispenses by the drop, and the panel prints all three equivalents so you can use whichever is easiest to measure.

Does this product contain alcohol?

Yes — organic cane alcohol is listed at 6% in the Other ingredients line, and the caution panel states "Contains alcohol." The same caution says not to use the product in conjunction with alcoholic beverages.

Is this product safe around pets?

No — the label warns that it contains xylitol, which is harmful to pets. Keep the bottle closed and out of reach of animals.

How is my order packaged?

Orders ship in plain, unmarked outer packaging with no indication of the contents. It will not show the Gear Isle name.

Product information compiled and reviewed by the Gear Isle product team. We transcribe supplement facts directly from manufacturer packaging. Found an error? Tell us.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Dietary supplement for adults 18 and over. Consult a licensed healthcare professional before use, especially if you have a medical condition, heart concerns, or take prescription medication (including nitrates). Keep out of reach of children.