NUTRITIONAL INTERVENTIONS FOR ENDOCRINE DISORDER MANAGEMENT: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Abstract

Background
Endocrine disorders such as diabetes, thyroid dysfunction, and metabolic syndrome are major contributors to global morbidity, often requiring lifelong management. Emerging evidence suggests that nutritional interventions may positively influence hormonal regulation and metabolic outcomes in these conditions. However, current literature is fragmented, and no comprehensive synthesis has been conducted to evaluate the breadth and quality of this evidence.

Objective
This systematic review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of dietary and nutritional interventions in improving clinical and biochemical outcomes in patients with endocrine disorders.

Methods
A systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Four electronic databases—PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library—were searched for studies published in the last five years. Inclusion criteria encompassed randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, and narrative reviews examining dietary interventions in endocrine disorders. Two reviewers independently screened studies, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Due to heterogeneity in outcomes and study designs, a qualitative synthesis was performed.

Results
Eight studies met the inclusion criteria. Nutritional strategies ranged from caloric restriction and macronutrient modulation to therapeutic dietary support in oncology and perinatal care. Key findings included the identification of APOC1 as a biomarker responsive to acute dietary changes, and associations between maternal diet and offspring endocrine health. Most studies supported the role of nutrition in improving metabolic parameters, though methodological variability limited direct comparison. Risk of bias was moderate to high in several studies.

Conclusion
Nutritional interventions appear to have significant potential in enhancing outcomes for patients with endocrine disorders. However, current evidence is limited by heterogeneity and moderate methodological quality. Further high-quality, large-scale clinical trials are needed to establish standardized nutritional protocols and evaluate long-term benefits.