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Nutrient-Hormone Pathway

Meaning

The Nutrient-Hormone Pathway refers to the integrated physiological routes and crucial feedback loops through which the ingestion, subsequent digestion, and final metabolism of nutrients directly influence the synthesis, secretion, and biological action of various hormones throughout the body. This essential bidirectional pathway highlights the continuous, intricate communication between the gastrointestinal tract, the major endocrine glands, and peripheral target tissues, all precisely orchestrated by specific nutritional cues. Key examples include the rapid release of insulin in response to circulating glucose and the profound impact of dietary fats and cholesterol on steroid hormone production rates. Optimizing this pathway is absolutely fundamental to maintaining both metabolic and endocrine equilibrium.