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Nutritional Effects on Hormone Production¹

Bureau of Biological Research, Rutgers, The State University— New Brunswick, New Jersey

Abstract

An adequate nutrition is required for the functional integrity of the endocrine system. Not only does nutrition influence the synthesis and release of hormones, but the hormones, in turn, through their regulation of metabolism, influence nutritional requirements. Experimental and clinical studies have shown that chronic and acute starvation, quantity and quality of protein, caloric restriction and also vitamin and mineral deficiencies, alter endocrine gland function. In addition, the effects of excesses and over-nutrition can be as deleterious as under-nutrition (Meites and Nelson, 1960; Leathem, 1958).

In reproduction one finds that maturation of the reproductive organs in the immature female and male animal is prevented or retarded by undernutrition. In the adult female ovarian atrophy, with a decrease in the number of vesicular follicles and the associated anestrus, is noted. In the adult male testis hypofunction and atrophy are observed in malnutrition.

¹ Supported in part by grant A 462 from the Institute of Arthritis and Metabolic Diseases, National Institutes of Health, and by E. R. Squibb and Sons.