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Its main function is to release several hormones to the pituitary gland, which stores and releases them into the bloodstream as necessary. The hypothalamus and pituitary gland link the nervous system to the endocrine system. Certain nutrients may be beneficial for hypothalamus and pituitary gland functioning. A person may find these nutrients in food. However, research does not suggest that a person should take supplements to boost hypothalamus and pituitary gland production. This article explores the role of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland and which nutrients may support their functioning. It also answers some common questions about the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. What do the hypothalamus and pituitary gland do Share on PinterestEddy Zecchinon/EyeEm/Getty ImagesThe hypothalamus and pituitary gland work together to secrete and distribute hormones that control various essential bodily functions. Hypothalamus The hypothalamus is a small area of the brain that controls the endocrine system. Its major function is maintaining homeostasis in the body, which means a stable and balanced state. The hypothalamus receives signals from other areas of the brain and responds by secreting both releasing and inhibiting hormones. These hormones signal the pituitary gland to direct the functions of other glands, systems, and activities. These include:thyroid glandadrenal glandreproductive organsgrowthtemperature regulationautonomic nervous system regulationfluid balanceappetite controlmilk production The hypothalamus maintains homeostasis by receiving signals sent by different areas of the body, which carry messages about elements that require balancing or other actions. The hypothalamus responds by releasing the required hormones to the pituitary gland, which then releases them into the bloodstream. These hormones then direct the body to perform actions to achieve homeostasis, such as sweating when a person’s internal temperature is too high or causing hunger when a person requires energy from food. These actions should bring the body back to an optimal, balanced state. Pituitary gland The pituitary gland is attached to the hypothalamus. It is a small gland that stores the hormones the hypothalamus secretes, releasing them into the bloodstream as necessary. The pituitary gland has an anterior lobe, called the adenohypophysis, and a posterior lobe known as the neurohypophysis. They each have specific functions. Anterior lobe This area secretes several hormones that directly influence various important bodily functions. These include:blood glucose level maintenanceestrogen productionprogesterone productiontestosterone productionthyroid hormone productioncortisol production Posterior lobe: This area stores and releases two hormones. These are:Vasopressin, or antidiuretic hormone (ADH): The posterior lobe of the pituitary gland releases this hormone to help the body conserve water and prevent dehydration.Oxytocin: This hormone stimulates milk production in the mammary glands and signals the smooth muscles in the uterus to contract during labour. Nutrients for the hypothalamus and pituitary gland Research suggests that certain nutrients may be beneficial for hypothalamus and pituitary gland functioning. However, research is still ongoing. A person should speak with a doctor before making any significant changes to their diet. Polyphenols Polyphenols are compounds in a variety of foods and drinks, such as certain berries, tea, red wine, and many vegetables. According to research, polyphenols may help reduce inflammation in the hypothalamus, which could help prevent dysfunction. The researchers found that polyphenols improved oxidative stress in the hypothalamus, which improved its functioning. They also suggested that polyphenols could help protect against neurodegeneration. However, the authors of a 2017 review of other potential benefits of polyphenols suggested that more clinical studies are necessary to determine the mechanism of action, concentration, safety, and efficacy of polyphenols. Omega-3 fatty acids Omega-3 fatty acids may be beneficial to the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. Research indicates that they can help regulate the pituitary gland. Vitamin C Vitamin C is vital for proper functioning of the hypothalamus, as it plays a role in many of the functions linked to the endocrine system. These include sleep regulation and promoting immunity. Thiamine Thiamine, which people also refer to as vitamin B1, plays an important role in hypothalamus health. It helps control the satiety center in the hypothalamus. The satiety center maintains a person’s appetite. Thiamine may also help improve the functioning of the nervous system, which is linked to the endocrine system by the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. Vitamin B12 Vitamin B12 plays an important role in the hypothalamus. It is linked to better energy levels, regulation of fatigue, reducing depression symptoms, and proper functioning of the central nervous system. The hypothalamus influences all of these processes. Frequently asked questions Below are some of the most common questions and answers about the pituitary gland and hypothalamus. What nutrients help the hypothalamus Foods rich in polyphenols may help improve the functioning of the hypothalamus. Several vitamins, including vitamin C, thiamine, and vitamin B12, may also aid the functioning of the hypothalamus. The main sources of these nutrients include a variety of fruits and vegetables. What controls the pituitary gland The hypothalamus the pituitary gland. Which diet may support the hypothalamus 2019 research suggests that eating a balanced diet high in polyphenols, such as the Mediterranean diet, may control inflammation and oxidative stress in the hypothalamus. However, further studies are necessary as experts do not fully understand how polyphenols affect humans. Summary The hypothalamus is a small but vital area of the brain that secretes hormones in response to the body’s needs. It releases these hormones to the nearby pituitary gland, which dispenses them as needed. In this way, the hypothalamus and pituitary gland help maintain homeostasis. The hormones that the hypothalamus and pituitary gland release direct many essential bodily functions, such as temperature regulation and appetite. Researchers suggest that some nutrients may help the hypothalamus and pituitary glands to function. These include polyphenols, omega-3, and vitamins C, B1, and B12. Many different foods contain these nutrients. People should speak with a doctor if they are concerned about their hypothalamus and pituitary gland health. Last medically reviewed on September 29, 2022SupplementsNutrition / Diet 11 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Bologna, K., et al. (2020). Effect of arginine on the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis in individuals with and without vasopressin deficiency.https://academic.oup.com/jcem/article/105/7/e2327/5814275Gao, Y., et al. (2017). Dietary sugars, not lipids, drive hypothalamic inflammation.https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212877817302399Khalid, W., et al. (2022). Plant-derived functional components: Prevent from various disorders by regulating the endocrine glands.https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10942912.2022.2070643Laing, B. T., et al. (2016). Voluntary exercise improves hypothalamic and metabolic function in obese mice.https://joe.bioscientifica.com/view/journals/joe/229/2/109.xmlLechan, R. M., et al. (2016). Functional anatomy of the hypothalamus and pituitary.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279126/Patel, H., et al. (2022). Physiology, posterior pituitary.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK526130/Rasouli, H., et al. (2017). Polyphenols and their benefits: A review.https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10942912.2017.1354017Rawindraraj, A. D., et al. (2022). Physiology, anterior pituitary.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499898/Samodien, E., et al. (2019). Diet-induced hypothalamic dysfunction and metabolic disease, and the therapeutic potential of polyphenols.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6717768/Shahid, Z., et al. (2022). Physiology, hypothalamus.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK535380/Vitamin B12. (2022).https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB12-HealthProfessional/FEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Jillian Kubala, MS, RD, Nutrition — By Caitlin Geng on September 29, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related CoverageWhat does the hypothalamus do?Medically reviewed by Daniel Murrell, MD The hypothalamus is a small area of the brain that helps to stimulate key functions. 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