Melatonin and Crohn's Disease. A little worried.

What does "melatonin may trigger symptoms of Crohn's disease" mean? If I took melatonin and had abnormal stools and symptoms similiar to Crohn's disease does that mean I have Crohn's disease?

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi there!

This means that melatonin can trigger the symptoms of crohn’s in a person who has not yet been diagnosed of it but has an underlying tendency or can trigger an exacerbation; though studies have shown that it can both either ameliorate or exacerbate the symptoms of crohn’s. Melatonin by itself can cause diarrhea and the symptoms may not be related to crohn’s. You may consider an evaluation by a gastroenterologist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.
Hope this helps.

Take care!