With all endocrine glands, disease symptoms arise as the result of either hypo- or hypersecretion of hormones. Doctors have prescribed vitamin and mineral supplements for the pituitary gland for childhood growth abnormalities, hypo- and hyperthyroidism, hypoglycemia, diabetes, benign prostatic hypertrophy, menopause and premenstrual syndrome. Vitamin D, copper, iron, iodine and magnesium have been recommended as dietary supplements for optimal pituitary function. Always consult a physician before starting any nutritional supplement program.
Identification
The pituitary gland, or hypophysis, is a pea-sized organ, weighing about 1 g that protrudes from the lower center of the brain on a stalk attached to and controlled by another gland, the hypothalamus. The pituitary gland is often called the master gland, since it controls the release of hormones by other endocrine glands through secretions from one of its two lobes: the anterior pituitary, or adenohypophysis, and the posterior pituitary, or neurohypophysis.
The anterior pituitary, stimulated by the hypothalamus, produces seven different hormones that in turn stimulate the thyroid and adrenal glands as well as controls the gonadal (reproductive) tissues, and regulates breast milk production.
The posterior pituitary stores and secretes two hormones: oxytosin (regulation of lactation and uterine contraction) and anti-diuretic hormone (regulation of water and osmolarity).
Vitamin D
Vitamin D absorption under the control of the pituitary gland is responsible for bone mass formation throughout the first 30 years of adult life and maintenance of bone density thereafter. According to a May 2010 article appearing in the "Journal of Osteoporosis," growth hormone (GH) and sex steroids, controlled by the pituitary gland, aid in the maintenance of skeletal tissue throughout adult life. Endocrine complications such as hypoparathyroidism and vitamin D deficiency have a detrimental role on bone mass and porosity. Vitamin D supplements can act to counter these deficiencies and maintain healthy bone mass by significantly improving bone mineralization. Vitamin D has also been found to be beneficial in treating other disorders such as hypogonadiam, or low circulation of sex hormones, and cryptorchidism, or undeveloped genitalia, as reported in the October 2010 issue of "Andrologia."
Copper, Iron, Iodine
Copper (Cu), iron (Fe) and iodine/thyroid hormone (I/TH) deficiencies direct brain development, implying that these micronutrients share a similar mechanism. Cu and Fe insufficiency affect the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis, leading to altered I/TH function. In an August 2010 article appearing in "Endocrinology," Bastian et al. concluded that the deficiencies of Fe and Cu are associated with reductions in circulating and I/TH levels and subsequent defects in neonatal brain development. It is therefore advisable to have a diet rich in these minerals or to supplement a diet lacking them.
Magnesium
Studies show that increased magnesium (Mg) intake may reduce the risk of metabolic syndromes, resulting in increased susceptibility to physiological damage produced by stress and subsequent perturbations of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) axis and the sympathetic nervous system. In a June 2010 article appearing in "Magnesium Research," Rayssiguier et al. found evidence to support the hypothesis that "the Mg effect on intracellular calcium homeostasis may be a common link between stress, inflammation and a possible relationship to other metabolic syndromes." A diet consisting of vegetables, fibers and cereals can reduce the incidence of compromised pituitary functions.
Conclusions
Western diets are often reported as lacking essential vitamins and minerals. Consuming a diet rich in vitamin D, Cu, Mg, I and Fe, or supplementing the diet with the same, can counteract detrimental physiological effects and maintain sufficient pituitary and related hormonal functions.
References
- "Journal of Osteoporosis"; Osteoporosis syndrome in thalassaemia major: an overview; M. Toumba; May 2010.
- "Andrologia"; CHARGE syndrome as unusual cause of hypogonadism: endocrine and molecular evaluation; L. Foppiani; October 2010.
- "Endocrinology"; Perinatal iron and copper deficiencies alter neonatal rat circulating and brain thyroid hormone concentrations; T. Bastian; August 2010.
- "Magnesium Research"; Magnesium deficiency and metabolic syndrome: stress and inflammation may reflect calcium activation. Y. Rayssiguier; June 2010.
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