Dietary Supplements and Functional Foods in the Management of Endocrine Disorders

Abstract

Endocrine and metabolic disorders are of major concern in humans. Meanwhile, the role of dietary intervention in the management of endocrine disorders has been extensively reported. Functional foods and nutraceuticals (which are foods or a part of foods, such as supplements) are considered as a new diet–health paradigm. This chapter reviews the beneficial and disadvantageous roles of fundamental functional foods/supplements such as vitamins, minerals, fibers, and flavonoids in major endocrine disorders including metabolic syndrome, different types of diabetes mellitus, and thyroid disorders. In general, the cardio-protective, lipid-lowering, anti-diabetic, and thyroid-protective roles of flavonoids, fibers, and vitamins and minerals including vitamin C, vitamin D, and omega-3 supplements have been declared in literature. However, major concerns are focused on the related advantageous dose and duration of intakes as well as the presence of any environmental contaminants in these supplements and foods, some of which are reported to be associated with impaired endocrine signaling and metabolism. Overall, although evidence on functional foods emphasizes the positive aspects of diets that provide medical or health benefits for the prevention and the treatment of a disorder, there is no consensus on the persistent use of nutraceuticals and functional foods/supplements. It seems that taking supplements beyond the daily requirement has no greater benefit in patients with endocrine disorders who do not have nutritional deficiencies. However, patients with an increased need for extra nutrients, or those who cannot meet the daily requirements of nutrients through routine dietary intakes, may benefit more from taking supplements. Altogether, nutraceuticals may be effective in mediating endocrine disorders, though their full benefits are still not clear. That is why the primary choice for the management of endocrine disorders is to follow a healthy diet with medications prescribed by expert physicians.