Melatonin reduces COVID-19 risk: real-time meta-analysis of 18 studies (Version 29)
, Mar 2026
Melatonin for COVID-19
12th treatment shown to reduce risk in
December 2020, now with p = 0.000000015 from 18 studies.
No treatment is 100% effective. Protocols
combine treatments.
6,400+ studies for
210+ treatments. c19early.org
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Significantly lower risk is seen for mortality, ventilation, hospitalization, and recovery. 10 studies from 10 independent teams in 6 countries show significant benefit.
Meta-analysis using the most serious outcome reported shows 34% [24‑42%] lower risk. Results are similar for higher quality studies and slightly worse for Randomized Controlled Trials. Early treatment is more effective than late treatment.
Results are very robust—in worst case exclusion sensitivity analysis 15 of 18 studies must be excluded before statistical significance is lost.
Control Melatonin
3 RCTs with 268 patients have not reported results (up to 5 years late).
No treatment is 100% effective. Protocols combine safe and effective options with individual risk/benefit analysis and monitoring. Other treatments are more effective. Dietary sources may be preferred. The quality of non-prescription supplements varies widely1-3. All data and sources to reproduce this analysis are in the appendix.
7 other meta-analyses show significant improvements with melatonin for mortality4-7, mechanical ventilation8, hospitalization6,8, clinical improvement8, and recovery9,10.
7 meta-analyses show significant improvements with melatonin for mortality1-4,
mechanical ventilation5,
hospitalization3,5,
improvement5, and
recovery6,7.
1.
Pilia et al., Does melatonin reduce mortality in COVID-19?, Annals of Medicine and Surgery, doi:10.1016/j.amsu.2022.103817.
2.
Tóth et al., Melatonin as adjuvant treatment in COVID-19 patients. A meta-analysis of randomized and propensity matched studies, Signa Vitae, doi:10.22514/sv.2023.076.
3.
Amin et al., Role of Melatonin in Management of COVID-19: A Systematic Review, Microbes, Infection and Chemotherapy, doi:10.54034/mic.e1982.
4.
Qin et al., Benefits of melatonin on mortality in severe-to-critical COVID-19 patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials, Clinics, doi:10.1016/j.clinsp.2025.100638.
5.
Taha et al., Safety and efficacy of melatonin as an adjuvant therapy in COVID-19 patients: Systematic review and meta-analysis, Advances in Medical Sciences, doi:10.1016/j.advms.2023.09.007.
Covid Analysis et al., Mar 2026, preprint, 1 author.