The endocrine glands produce certain hormones, enzymes and neurotransmitters and secrete them into the bloodstream. Among the endocrine glands are the pituitary, hypothalamus, thyroid and adrenal glands. Requiring nutritional support like any other part of the body, endocrine glands can be weakened or impaired by certain nutritional deficiencies. For example, deficiencies in vitamin D and the mineral iodine have been associated with adverse effects on the relationship between the thyroid, pituitary and hypothalamus glands, while a copper or potassium deficiency may be linked to adrenal problems.
Vitamin D Deficiency
A 2007 article in "Biological Research for Nursing" discusses the range of medical conditions involving the endocrine system that can be caused by a vitamin D deficiency, including osteoporosis and rickets. The article also describes diseases with a hormonal component, involving either the endocrine or exocrine glands, which may be the result of a long-term insufficient intake of vitamin D, including cancer, multiple sclerosis and type 1 diabetes.
Thyroid - Pituitary - Hypothalamus Link
The thyroid gland is crucial for proper growth and development, reproduction and to regulate metabolism. In order for the thyroid gland to function properly, synthesizing the thyroid hormones that the body needs for these activities, the hypothalamus and pituitary glands, the two endocrine glands of the brain, are involved. In essence, when thyroid hormone levels are low, the hypothalamus instructs the pituitary gland to secrete thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), triggering the thyroid to produce more hormones. When enough thyroid hormone has been secreted, the hypothalamus ceases relaying these instructions until needed again.
Iodine Deficiency
Iodine plays a critical role in the production of thyroid hormones. In the presence of TSH, the thyroid captures iodine from the bloodstream to use in synthesizing the needed hormones. In the presence of an iodine deficiency, the thyroid is unable to produce these hormones. This lack of needed thyroid hormones continues triggering the hypothalamus to trigger the pituitary glands to secrete more stimulating thyroid hormone, but the absence of available iodine in the blood causes that excess TSH to simply build up in the bloodstream. This can cause a condition known medically as hypertrophy and commonly as goiter, one of the most prevalent signs of iodine deficiency. Hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid gland, is another possible consequence of iodine deficiency. Do not take supplemental iodine without a doctor's orders, as it is only effective in the presence of an iodine deficiency and, barring that, could cause hypothyroidism.
Adrenal Glands
The adrenal glands play critical roles in metabolism and mood, releasing hormones like adrenaline and neurotransmitters like dopamine. Studies on rodents have linked copper deficiency to suppressed adrenal function, such as one 2009 study published in the "British Journal of Nutrition" that found a deficiency in dietary copper leading to an impairment in the adrenal gland's ability to convert dopamine to noradrenaline. According to the National Institutes of Health, a potassium deficiency may be a sign of an adrenal gland disorder.
References
- "Biological Research for Nursing"; The Effects of Vitamin D Deficiency and Insufficiency on the Endocrine and Paracrine System; Oct 2007
- Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University; "Iodine"; Jane Higdon, et al.; Mar 2010
- University of Maryland Medical Center; "Hyperthyroidism"; Steven D. Ehrlich; Feb 2010
- "British Journal of Nutrition"; Copper Deficiency in Rodents Alters Dopamine Beta-Mono-Oxygenase Activity, mRNA and Protein Level; K.T. Nelson, et al.; Jul 2009
- MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia; "Potassium in Diet"; David Zieve; May 2010
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