Goitrogen

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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

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
  • 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,
    Thyroid hyperplasia has been demonstrated in mice:
  • 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.

    • Footnotes



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