ConsumerLab.com, Westchester County, NY, recently released its “Product Review of Melatonin Supplements” report. The report provides test results for each product, ingredient comparisons, extensive information about how to buy and use these supplements and potential side effects.

Sales of melatonin supplements in the U.S. rose 7% in 2004 to $67 million, according to Nutrition Business Journal. Melatonin supplements may be helpful in treating various types of sleep disturbances and have potential benefit in other conditions ranging from cluster headache to cancer. Tod Cooperman, MD, president, ConsumerLab.com, advised that while melatonin is generally safe, it is a hormone and its use should be discussed with a healthcare practitioner. It can cause drowsiness for several hours after use and can interfere with some drugs, such as blood pressure medication.

Among the products selected by ConsumerLab.com for testing, one failed for not properly breaking apart—indicating that its contents might not be fully released in the body. Thirteen other products that ConsumerLab.com selected passed the tests, as did five products tested through ConsumerLab.com’s Voluntary Certification Program. Ten other products are listed for being similar to products that passed testing but sold under different brand names.

Brands covered include Deep Dreams (TriMedica), Herbal Slumber (Natural Balance), Lorna Vanderhaege Sleep Sense (Preferred Nutrition), Melatonin Sleep (Northwest Natural Products), Sunsource Melatonex (Chattem), Night Time Formula (Pharmanex) as well as products from Country Life, Designs for Health, Good N’ Natural, Health Yourself, Innovative Natural Products, Nature’s Bounty, NOW Foods, Physiologics, Puritan’s Pride, Sundown, Trader Joe’s, Quest, TwinLab (Ideasphere), Unicity and Vitamin World.