Goitrogen

Goitrogens are substances that suppress the function of the thyroid gland by interfering with iodine uptake which can, as a result, cause an enlargement of the thyroid, i.e. a goitre.

Goitrogenic drugs and chemicals

Chemicals that have been shown to have goitrogenic effects include:

• Sulfadimethoxine, propylthiouracil, potassium perchlorate, and iopanoic acid.
• Thiocyanate overload in Central Africa, especially if also in conjunction with selenium deficiency. Reliance on cassava as a carbohydrate provides a source of thiocyanate in some areas.
• Ions such as thiocyanate and perchlorate decrease iodide uptake by competitive inhibition and, as a consequence of reduced thyroxine and triiodothyronine secretion by the gland, cause an increased release of thyrotropin (by reduced negative feedback) which then stimulates the gland.

Goitrogenic foods

Certain foods have been identified as goitrogenic. These foods include:

• Soybeans (and soybean products such as tofu)
• Pine nuts
• Peanuts
• Millet
• Strawberries
• Pears
• Peaches
• Spinach
• Bamboo shoots
• Radishes
• Horseradish
• Vegetables in the genus Brassica
• Bok choy
• Broccoli
• Broccolini (Asparations)
• Brussels sprouts
• Cabbage
• Canola
• Cauliflower
• Chinese cabbage
• Choy sum
• Collard greens
• Kai-lan (Chinese broccoli)
• Kale
• Kohlrabi
• Mizuna
• Mustard greens
• Rapeseed (yu choy)
• Rapini
• Rutabagas
• Tatsoi
• Turnips

Foods stimulating thyroid tissue

Some foods and drinks have an opposite effect on the thyroid gland--that is, they stimulate thyroid function rather than suppressing it; examples being avocado, coconut, and saturated fat. Indeed some studies on rats suggest that excess caffeine in conjunction with a lack of iodine may promote the formation of thyroid cancers. Despite being generally a stimulant, caffeine (examples: coffee, tea, cola, chocolate) acts on thyroid function as a suppressant. "Caffeine, Calcium and the Thyroid Nutritional Linkages to Thyroid Disease and Thyroid Drugs". .

Footnotes

External links

• Goitrogen page
• Goitrogen page from The World's Healthiest Foods site

See also

• Hypothyroidism
• Hyperthyroidism
• Thyroid