The endocrine system includes a network of organs and glands that produce and secrete chemicals known as "hormones." The term "hormone" describes any chemical produced in one area of the body that triggers a response in another area of the body. Many nutrients, including vitamins and minerals, support a healthy endocrine system, but vitamins A, D and B-6 and selenium play important roles in promoting the production of hormones.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A includes a group of related compounds including retinol and retinal. Vitamin A supports a healthy immune system, plays a role in normal growth and development and facilitates the formation of healthy red blood cells. One active form of vitamin A, retinoic acid, acts as a hormone and affects the process by which genes convert to specific proteins. Vitamin A also interacts with thyroid hormone receptors to aid in thyroid hormone signaling, therefore supporting thyroid function. Foods rich in vitamin A compounds include milk, the family of orange and red fruits and vegetables like carrots, cantaloupe, pumpkin and sweet potatoes, and leafy green vegetables like broccoli, spinach and kale.
Vitamin D
Although vitamin D is best known for its role in promoting the absorption of calcium, it also benefits the endocrine system. Research published in the February 2007 issue of “Hormone and Metabolic Research” details how the hormone activities of vitamin D regulate growth and differentiation of cells that may help in treating certain skin diseases. In addition, the cells in the pancreas that secrete the hormone insulin -- necessary for regulating the sugar level in the blood -- contain vitamin D receptors. The binding of vitamin D promotes the secretion of insulin, especially when the insulin demand increases. Few food sources naturally contain vitamin D, but fortified food sources like milk, orange juice and breakfast cereals contribute to your vitamin D levels.
Vitamin B-6
Vitamin B-6 is essential for the production of the coenzyme pyridoxal 5'-phosphate, known as PLP. This coenzyme activates enzymes that increase the speed of vital chemical reactions in the body. Vitamin B-6 benefits the endocrine system because PLP binds to steroid hormone receptors and inhibits the binding of the reproductive hormone like estrogen, progesterone or testosterone therefore interfering with their binding and decreasing their effects. In this role, vitamin B-6 may help reduce the risk for steroid hormone-dependent cancers like breast cancer and prostate cancer. Food sources of vitamin B-6 include salmon, turkey, chicken, potatoes, spinach and bananas.
Selenium
Selenium, classified as a trace mineral because your body only needs it in small amounts, plays a vital role in activating thyroid hormone. Your thyroid gland located in your neck produces a small amount of active thyroid hormone, known as "triiodothyronine" or T3 and a larger amount of the inactive thyroid hormone called "thyroxine" or T4. Because thyroid hormones regulate nearly every bodily function, your body needs plenty of active thyroid hormone. Selenium activates the enzyme called iodothyronine deiodinases that converts T4 into T3 therefore promoting healthy thyroid function. Brazil nuts serve as the best source of selenium, but other foods like fish, shellfish, meat, breads and milk also provide vitamin B-6 to your diet.
References
- “Hormone and Metabolic Research”; Vitamins and Hormones; J. Reichrath, et al.; February 2007
- Linus Pauling Institute: Vitamin B-6; Victoria Drake; November 2007
- The Hormone Foundation: The Endocrine System; 2011
- Linus Pauling Institute: Vitamin A; Victoria Drake; November 2007
- Linus Pauling Institute: Selenium; Victoria Drake; November 2007
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