THE ROLE OF NUTRITION IN MANAGING ENDOCRINE DISORDERS – A NARRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

Background: Endocrine disorders, including diabetes mellitus, thyroid dysfunction, polycystic ovary syndrome, and adrenal diseases, represent a significant global health burden. Nutrition plays a pivotal role in managing these conditions by influencing metabolic pathways, hormonal balance, and disease progression. While pharmacological interventions remain the cornerstone of treatment, dietary strategies have emerged as essential adjuncts for improving clinical outcomes. Despite growing recognition of the impact of nutrition on endocrine health, inconsistencies in dietary recommendations and gaps in research necessitate a comprehensive review of existing evidence.

Objective: This narrative review aims to explore the role of nutrition in managing endocrine disorders, highlighting current dietary strategies, their effectiveness, and limitations in clinical practice. Additionally, it identifies research gaps and suggests future directions for optimizing nutritional interventions.

Main Discussion Points: The review discusses evidence-based dietary approaches for various endocrine conditions, including medical nutrition therapy for diabetes, micronutrient supplementation for thyroid function, and dietary modifications for metabolic disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome. While observational studies suggest promising benefits, methodological limitations, inconsistent outcome measures, and publication bias undermine the reliability of findings. Furthermore, the review highlights the emerging field of precision nutrition, which aims to tailor dietary recommendations based on genetic, metabolic, and microbiome profiles.

Conclusion: Nutritional interventions offer substantial potential in managing endocrine disorders, but stronger evidence from well-designed randomized controlled trials is needed to refine clinical guidelines. Personalized dietary strategies, integrating metabolic and genetic factors, may enhance patient outcomes. Future research should focus on standardizing dietary assessment methods and long-term intervention studies to establish definitive causal relationships.