The invention provides methods for reducing neurodegeneration in animals by administering a neurodegeneration reducing amount of melatonin to the animal. Generally, the melatonin is administered in amounts of either 0.1 ng/kg/day to about 10 mg/kg/day or from about 0.2 ng/day to about 3 g/day. In preferred methods, the melatonin is administered as part of a food composition.
