Q: Can I exceed the suggested use of Horizon supplements?
A: This depends on the individual product. Generally, we do not suggest exeeding the recommended use. This amount was carefully considered by the formulator when the product was made and is the optimal amount.

Q: Are Horizon products hypoallergenic?
A: Almost all of our products are hypoallergenic and this is indicated on the label.

Q: Are Horizon products vegetarian?
A: Almost all of our products are suitable for vegetarians and this is also indicated on the label. Horizon products that use "capsules" are from gelatin, and are not vegetarian.

Q: Why does the label say, "Do not take if you are pregnant or nursing"?
A: As a precaution, we include this information on most of our labels. We feel that pregnant or nursing women should consult with their health care professional before changing their diet or nutritional intake.

Q: What is melatonin and what is it used for?
A: Melatonin is a neurohormone naturally produced by the pineal gland in the brain that helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle. As we age, sometimes our bodies produce less of it, creating a deficiency.

Q: Where does Horizon's melatonin come from?
A: Our melatonin is synthetically produced. It's not from bovine sources.

Q: Are there any long-term studies done on melatonin?
A: There are over 1,000 research articles published on melatonin, many involving studies on humans and animals.

Q: Does melatonin have any side effects?
A: Everyone has a different body physiology, and you may not necessarily need melatonin. In addition, certain health conditions are contraindicated with melatonin and are indicated on our label. These include autoimmune disease, disbetes, a depressive disorder, a thyroid condition, epilepsy, leukemia, a lymphoproliferative disorder or are taking MAO inhibitor drugs or corticosteroids such as cortisone or prednisone.

Q: Why is Coenzymated B-6 included in the melatonin formula?
A: Deficiencies in Vitamin B-6 are common, especially in adults over the age of 55. The active form of Vitamin B-6, Phridoxal 5-Phosphate, is responsible for converting tryptophan to serotonin, which in turn is converted to melatonin. A deficiency in Vitamin B-6 may affect melatonin synthesis in the pineal gland.

Q: Is melatonin approved by the FDA?
A: Melatonin is not classified as a drug and therefore does not require approval by the FDA. However, the FDA does regulate melatonin as a food supplement and could pull it off the market if it were deemed unsafe. Melatonin has been sold commercially for several years without any regulatory intervention from the FDA.

Q: Can I take melatonin every night?
A: Melatonin can be taken every night at the recommended dosage. However, some individuals may benefit from occasional or intermittent use of melatonin.

Q: How long before I notice any positive effects?
A: People typically derive an immediate benefit from taking melatonin at night... usually within 30 to 90 minutes. Individuals who take melatonin and do not notice any positive results may not need a melatonin supplement. The fast-acting, sublingual form may work in as little as 15 minutes.

Q: What is the shelf life of melatonin?
A: The minimum shelf life of melatonin is 12 months from the date of analysis on the certificate of analysis. Products should be kept in a dark, cool, dry place - not the refrigerator.

Q: Why are sorbitol and mannitol used in vitamins and pharmaceutical products?
A: One reason is to increase absorption of vitamins and other nutrients: sorbitol and mannitol are passively absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, which means absorption is very slow or minimal. Their slow absorption allows more time for minerals, such as calcium, to be absorbed. In addition, sorbitol and mannitol are inert substances, which means they have little or no tendency or ability to react with other chemicals. The sweet taste of mannitol and sorbitol is used to hide the unpleasant taste of certain vitamins, such as B-vitamins, or drugs such as aspirin.

Q: Do sorbitol and mannitol share the same drawbacks as other commercial sweeteners, such as affecting blood sugar levels and delivering calories?
A: Mannitol and sorbitol belong to a unique family of sweeteners called "sugar alcohols." Sugar alcohols are unique in that they don't give rise to elevated blood sugar levels. Sugar sweeteners deliver the same or fewer calories than fructose or sucrose, and have minimal effect on blood sugar levels.

Q: How long have sorbitol and mannitol been used commercially?
A: Sorbitol and mannitol have been available commercially and used safely for more than 40 years.