The Benefits of Time-Release Supplements

Quick Scoop

• Time-release supplements extend absorption in the body by releasing the vitamin or supplement slowly rather than all at once[1].†
• Extended-release Melatonin sustains elevated levels of Melatonin longer through the night[1].†

Time-Release Supplements

While putting together your daily routine, you may have seen the phrase “Time-Release” or “Extended-Release” and wondered what exactly that means. Are Time-Release supplements different from Extended-Release supplements? And why would you take an Extended-Release supplement instead of one that gives you everything all at once? Arm yourself with knowledge for the next time you find yourself in the supplement aisle to pick the right one for you!

What is a Time Release Supplement?

A time-release, or extended-release, supplement is specially designed to slowly release its nutrients over an extended period rather than all in one dose. This process can stretch the supplement’s benefits over a longer period of time, which can be helpful if you want something to support you all day or all night long!

For example, Nature Made’s Vitamin B12 Time Release Tablets are specially formulated to extend vitamin absorption by the body to help you get the cellular energy support you need throughout the day. Taking a Time Release supplement in the morning can provide you with important vitamins and nutrients all day long, giving you continuous support as you work.†

Benefits of Extended-Release Melatonin

One of the most common places you’ll see Extended Release formulas is in Melatonin supplements. Nature Made offers Extended Release Melatonin 4 mg Tablets, which are clinically studied to raise and maintain Melatonin levels over 6 hours, helping you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.[1]†

Nature Made’s Melatonin Dual-Action formula consists of an outer layer of quick-release Melatonin for an immediate source and an inner core of extended-release Melatonin to keep your levels up through the night.[1]†

The benefits of an Extended Release Melatonin supplement over a standard-release supplement have been studied. Extended Release melatonin provides an immediate source of Melatonin. Then, it continues to release gradually throughout the night, raising Melatonin levels in as little as 15 minutes while sustaining elevated Melatonin levels for 6 hours. This dual action release more closely mimics your body’s natural melatonin profile and helps to support restful sleep.[1]†

Sleep is important, and over 30% of Americans aren’t getting enough good, restful sleep.[1] A Melatonin supplement can help you reset your sleep cycle and work as a temporary sleep aid to get you back into a restful sleep cycle. If you are looking for a specially designed sleep aid blend with ingredients powered by science, Nature Made Wellblends Sleep Longer Tri-Layer Tablets combine dual-release Melatonin with L-theanine to help relax your mind and GABA to support a calm mental state.†

Other Time Release Supplement Options

While Melatonin may be one of the more popular examples of time-release supplements, it is far from the only one. Time Release Vitamin C with Rose Hips extends the body’s vitamin absorption, providing you with a long-lasting source of Vitamin C, which works as an antioxidant in the body to help neutralize free radicals.†

Time Release B-100 Complex Tablets provide all eight essential B-Vitamins, with over 100% of the daily value of Folic Acid, helping the body convert food into cellular energy. Time-release B-Vitamins give you day-long support for healthy brain and nervous system function.†

Conclusion

Whether you know them as “Time Release” or “Extended Release,” these supplements are specially formulated to extend the body’s absorption, providing a continuous source of nutrients over an extended period. Look for options like Vitamin B12 for continued energy support or Extended-Release Melatonin to keep your body’s Melatonin levels high through the night, supporting longer, more restful sleep.†

Armed with this knowledge, you can pick the right formula for you!

† These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

References

1. J Mun, D Wang, D Doerflein Fulk, M Fakhary, S Gualco, R Grant, & S Hazels Mitmesser (2023) A Randomized, Double-Blind, Crossover Study to Investigate the Pharmacokinetics of Extended-Release Melatonin Compared to Immediate-Release Melatonin in Healthy Adults. Journal of Dietary Supplements. https://doi.org/10.1080/19390211.2023.2206475