Is Natrol melatonin chews Halal?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a supplement is Halal, we look for the usual suspects: animal-derived gelatin, alcohol, and non-Halal flavorings. Natrol melatonin chews use a plant-based pectin base rather than animal gelatin, which is a major green flag. Let's look at the specific ingredients:

The primary structural ingredients are organic tapioca syrup and pectin. Tapioca is a root vegetable, and pectin is a fiber found in fruits. Together, they create the chewy texture without needing pork or beef byproducts. The sweeteners, organic cane sugar and organic tapioca syrup, are naturally plant-derived and Halal.

For the functional and aesthetic ingredients, carnauba wax is used as a glazing agent. This is a wax derived from the leaves of the Brazilian palm tree, making it plant-based. The color comes from fruit and vegetable juice, which is entirely natural. Finally, coconut oil is used in trace amounts; while coconut is botanically a fruit, it is generally considered Halal by all major Islamic jurisprudence schools.

Nutritional Value

While Halal status is the primary concern, the nutritional profile is also important. Each serving of these chews (typically two pieces) contains approximately 5 to 10 calories, depending on the specific formulation. The carbohydrate content is roughly 3 grams, almost entirely from sugars like organic cane sugar and organic tapioca syrup.

Because the sugar content is relatively low per serving (usually around 2 grams), it fits easily into most daily dietary limits. There is no fat or protein to speak of. However, for those strictly monitoring sugar intake for health reasons like diabetes, this is a factor to consider, though the amount is minimal for a single dose of melatonin.