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Micro-Nutrients for Balance Hormones
Minerals and vitamins play crucial role in hormone production and proper function
because they are structural part of many hormones or involved in stimulation of
their production. Iodine is vital for healthy thyroid function and thyroxin production
[5, 12]. It is main structural part of T3 and most common but preventable form of
hypothyroidism. Iodine deficiency results in cretinism, Goiter, mental retardation
among children, and hypothyroidism. Dietary iodine from fish and nuts and supplementary iodine from iodide salt may prevent the adverse effects.
Selenium is an important trace mineral. It works as anti-oxidant and also helpful
for thyroid gland function with iodine. Naturally it has four oxidation states elemental selenium, selenide, selenite, and selenate. Mostly biological functions are performed by selenoproteins. These proteins are important in cellular defense against
reactive oxygen species [13]. So the less amount of selenium in body will increase
the risk of oxidative stress and damage to blood vessels [14].
Magnesium functions as a cofactor for hundreds of enzymes. Low levels are
associated with increased BMI and metabolic syndrome. The dietary intake of Mg
has protective effects on bone density. Magnesium is more crucial for men’s hormonal health. It enhances free testosterone with more health benefits of better
moods and peaceful sleep.
Zinc is also important part of all enzymes including catalytic, structural, and
regulatory systems. The best role of Zinc in endocrine health is insulin synthesis and
regulation. As it acts as anti-oxidant, it is important in immunity and antiinflammatory responses [15]. Higher absorption of sodium results into increased
parathyroid hormone secretion. Calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium
among macro-minerals and boron, copper, zinc, and silicon are important for bone
health and hormone regulation required for healthy skeleton. Some nutrients are
integral part of hormone producing mechanism. And their deficiency is related to
low production of that hormone. Some nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D, are not naturally found in small amount. The good quantity supplement may
also use for these nutrients. Chromium is commonly found in earth crust and also
important mineral for human health. It is very important in insulin action and the
deficiency is associated with failed glucose control. It is widely found in egg yolks,
whole grains, cereals nuts, and coffee beans [3]. Vitamin D 3 is very essential in the
primary biological regulators of calcium homeostasis and as a steroid hormone 1α,
25(OH) 2 D 3 . It is produced photochemically in the skin from 7-dehydrocholesterol.
The molecular structure of vitamin D is really resemble to classic steroid hormones
(e.g., estradiol, cortisol, and aldosterone). It is important in balancing of other hormones. Vitamin E among other vitamins acts as anti-oxidant. It reduces oxidative
stress and prevents hypothyroidism [16].
Probiotics The healthy and friendly gut bacteria are important to manage a healthy
gut. The gut flora can reduce hormonal problems and enhanced levels of immunity.
Different animal studies showed that supplementation with probiotics, prebiotic,
and symbiotic has a visible effect on bone calcium, phosphate, and bone metaboN. Itrat
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