Effects of Dietary or Supplementary Micronutrients on Sex Hormones and IGF-1 in Middle and Older Age: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Janjuha et al., 2020 | Nutrients | Meta Analysis

Citation

Janjuha Ryan, Bunn Diane, ... Welch Ailsa. Effects of Dietary or Supplementary Micronutrients on Sex Hormones and IGF-1 in Middle and Older Age: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Nutrients. 2020-May-18;12(5). doi:10.3390/nu12051457

Abstract

Observational research suggests that micronutrients may be protective for sarcopenia, a key health issue during ageing, potentially via effects on hormone synthesis and metabolism. We aimed to carry out a systematic review of RCTs investigating effects of increasing dietary or supplemental micronutrient intake on sex hormones and IGF-1 in individuals aged 45 years or older. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane databases for RCTs reporting the effects of different micronutrients (vitamins A, C, D, or E; carotenoids; iron; copper; zinc; magnesium; selenium; and potassium) on sex hormones or IGF-1. Of the 26 RCTs identified, nine examined effects of vitamin D, nine of multi-nutrients, four of carotenoids, two of selenium, one of zinc, and one of vitamin E. For IGF-1 increasing vitamin D (MD: -0.53 nmol/L, 95% CI: -1.58, 0.52), multi-nutrients (MD: 0.60 nmol/L, 95% CI -1.12 to 2.33) and carotenoids (MD -1.32 nmol/L; 95% CI -2.76 to 0.11) had no significant effect on circulating concentrations. No significant effects on sex hormones of other micronutrients were found, but data were very limited. All trials had significant methodological limitations making effects of micronutrient supplementation on sex hormones unclear. Further high quality RCTs with physiological doses of micronutrients in people with low baseline intakes or circulating concentrations, using robust methodology, are required to assess effects of supplementation adequately.

Key Findings

Further high quality RCTs with physiological doses of micronutrients in people with low baseline intakes or circulating concentrations, using robust methodology, are required to assess effects of supplementation adequately.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 26
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Aged
  • Aging
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Female
  • Food, Fortified
  • Gonadal Steroid Hormones
  • Humans
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor I
  • Male
  • Micronutrients
  • Middle Aged
  • Nutritional Status
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: vitamin-e

Provenance


Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09