Analysis of melatonin in foods

Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytriptamine), a neurohormone produced by the pineal gland, has recently been reported in foods, mainly of plant origin. Literature concerning the biological properties is extensive. However, little is known about melatonin presence in foods or the analytical methods suitable for assay in food matrices and the potential influence of dietetic intake on human health. The aim of this work is to review current knowledge and available data of dietary intake of melatonin as it has been proposed as a new bioactive food component. There are gaps in the knowledge and insufficiently standardised methods for its analysis. Advantages and disadvantages of analytical methods to assess melatonin in different food matrixes are discussed, as well as the effect of dietetic melatonin. (C) 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.