Does Melatonin Break a Fast?

Melatonin will probably not break your fast, but it depends on which type you use. Here’s what you need to know.

Does Melatonin Break a Fast?

Melatonin on its own will not break a fast. It does not contain any carbohydrates or protein that would cause an insulin spike and break a fast. However, there are many melatonin supplements that contain additional ingredients that would break a fast.

Melatonin supplements come in a variety of different forms. If you’re purchasing it in a capsule, then it likely does not contain any additional ingredients and therefore can be used during the fast.

Another popular way to take melatonin is in gummy form (such as the brand Olly). Taking this brand as an example, it contains 2 grams of added sugar in the form of glucose syrup and beet sugar per serving. Although this isn’t an extremely high level of sugar, it’s still enough to potentially cause an insulin spike and break a fast.

Interestingly, melatonin supplements even come in chocolate candy forms! Good Day Chocolate is an example of these candy supplements. One serving of the chocolate melatonin comes in at around 4 grams of sugar which will raise insulin and break a fast.

Although melatonin is not my preferred method of improving sleep quality, if you do choose to use it, it’s important to opt for the capsule form without any added ingredients while Intermittent Fasting.