Cause 3: Consumption of Goitrogenic Foods
Goitrogens are substances that interfere with iodine absorption, reducing its availability to the thyroid gland. These substances are found in certain types of food and can contribute to iodine deficiency when consumed in large amounts over an extended period.
Some of the common goitrogenic foods include soy products, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and other cruciferous vegetables. These foods contain compounds that inhibit the uptake of iodine into the thyroid gland, reducing the synthesis of thyroid hormones. When these foods form a large part of a person’s diet, they can contribute to iodine deficiency, even in the presence of sufficient dietary iodine.
Healthcare practitioners and nutritionists can play a pivotal role in educating people about the effects of goitrogenic foods on iodine absorption. They can guide individuals on how to balance their diets to ensure they get the nutritional benefits of these foods without risking iodine deficiency. (3)
