HormonesMelatonin

Gestational diabetes mellitus is associated with higher urinary 6-sulfatoxymelatonin and serum TNF-α levels despite increased consumption of tryptophan-rich foods

In a cross-sectional study of 34 women with GDM and 18 with normal-risk pregnancies, those with GDM reported higher consumption of tryptophan-rich foods (especially milk/dairy and fruits) yet had significantly higher urinary 6-sulfatoxymelatonin (p=0.002) and serum TNF-α levels (p=0.023). Multivariable models confirmed GDM remained associated with higher melatonin metabolite levels, while TNF-α was linked to maternal characteristics and interactions.

Last updated: Jul 11, 2026•0 RCTs•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score32/100
Human RCT☆☆☆☆☆
Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. Pregnant Women With Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and High Consumption of Tryptophan-Rich Foods Show Increased Levels of 6-Sulfatoxymelatonin in Urine.

observational

Coltro DB, de Oliveira Mateus J, de Oliveira Ferreira I, Goettert MI, Costella AP, da Silva GL, Torres ILS, da Silva AA, Laste G · Journal of pregnancy (2026)

Participants: N/A
Duration: N/A
Intervention: Observational assessment of dietary intake of tryptophan-rich foods (via FFQ) in pregnant women with and without GDM
Outcome: Urinary 6-sulfatoxymelatonin (melatonin metabolite) and serum TNF-α levels
Effect Size: N/A
Population: Pregnant women (34 with gestational diabetes mellitus, 18 with normal-risk pregnancies)

Result:

PubMed: 42427282DOI: 10.1155/jp/4762066

Mechanism Graph

GDM induces metabolic and inflammatory alterations
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These alterations may influence tryptophan metabolism and melatonin synthesis
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Higher consumption of tryptophan-rich foods provides substrate for melatonin production
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Result: Elevated urinary 6-sulfatoxymelatonin and serum TNF-α in GDM group

Limitations

  • ⚠Cross-sectional design prevents causal inference
  • ⚠Small sample size (n=52 total) limits generalizability
  • ⚠Dietary assessment via FFQ may have recall bias

Frequently Asked Questions

What is 6-sulfatoxymelatonin?▼

It is the primary urinary metabolite of melatonin, used as a biomarker for melatonin production in the body.

Why might GDM increase melatonin levels despite higher tryptophan intake?▼

GDM is associated with metabolic and inflammatory changes that may alter tryptophan metabolism and melatonin synthesis, potentially leading to higher melatonin metabolite levels even with increased dietary precursor intake.

What was the role of TNF-α in this study?▼

TNF-α is an inflammatory marker; the study found higher serum levels in GDM women, suggesting an inflammatory component associated with the condition.

Were sleep quality and other confounders adjusted for?▼

Yes, the generalized linear models adjusted for maternal age, BMI, gestational age, and sleep quality.

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References

  1. 1.Coltro DB, de Oliveira Mateus J, de Oliveira Ferreira I, Goettert MI, Costella AP, da Silva GL, Torres ILS, da Silva AA, Laste G. "Pregnant Women With Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and High Consumption of Tryptophan-Rich Foods Show Increased Levels of 6-Sulfatoxymelatonin in Urine.." Journal of pregnancy, 2026. PMID: 42427282 DOI: 10.1155/jp/4762066
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.