Diet and hormone interactions

Abstract

From the previous chapters, it should now be evident that fluxes through the various metabolic pathways within cells are determined by the intracellular environments and that these environments are greatly affected by the amounts and types of nutrients ingested. Metabolites arising more or less directly from the diet have been shown to alter fluxes by increasing substrate concentrations and by inhibiting or activating enzymes. Several examples have also been given of hormones performing similar functions. Because diet composition and hormones can influence metabolism in similar ways, it is necessary to be aware of the interrelationships of these two factors in order properly to plan experiments and to interpret results.