Dietary Sources of Hormones and Their Impact on Human Physiological State: An Analytical Review

Exogenous and endogenous hormones are found in many foods — from steroid implants and recombinant growth factors used in livestock and dairy production to natural hormones present in animal products. Due to the growing incidence of endocrine and reproductive diseases, an analysis of current data on the way dietary hormones affect human physiology and health was conducted. These substances include synthetic growth promoters, animal steroids, and plant phytoestrogens, which can enter the human diet through the consumption of meat, dairy, and soy products. The mechanisms of action of hormonal substances on the human body were examined, as well as data on endocrine disruption, cancer risk, and reproductive outcomes. Epidemiological and experimental studies have found associations between dietary hormone consumption and endocrine disruption, changes in the timing of puberty and fertility, metabolic dysfunctions, and hormone-dependent cancers. The complexity of this topic lies in the lack of consensus on the relationship between the consumption of hormone-containing products and the development of these diseases, resulting in varying approaches to regulating intake levels across countries. Therefore, this review provides an overview of global regulatory limits for hormone content in foods, examines the types and origins of these compounds, summarizes data on their impact on human and animal health, as well as discusses the risks and prospects of long-term consumption of endocrine disruptors.