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Goitrogens in food and water
1Department of Medicine, University of Mississippi School of Medicine, Jackson.
Annual Review of Nutrition
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Endemic goiter results from multiple factors, not just iodine deficiency. Environmental goitrogens, bacterial contamination, and poor socioeconomic conditions also contribute significantly to its development.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Endocrinology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Endemic goiter is a significant public health concern with a complex etiology.
- While iodine deficiency is a well-established cause, other environmental factors are increasingly recognized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the multifactorial causes of endemic goiter.
- To discuss the role of environmental goitrogens and other contributing factors in goiter pathogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of epidemiologic and experimental evidence.
- Analysis of chemical properties, sources, and actions of goitrogens.
- Examination of the impact of bacterial contamination and socioeconomic factors.
Main Results:
- Iodine deficiency is a primary cause, but environmental goitrogens in food and water are also critical.
- Bacterial contamination of water may influence goiter development through microbial action on pollutants or direct host effects.
- Malnutrition and poor socioeconomic conditions exacerbate the impact of environmental goitrogens.
Conclusions:
- Endemic goiter has a multifactorial etiology involving iodine deficiency, environmental goitrogens, microbial factors, and socioeconomic conditions.
- A multidisciplinary approach is crucial for addressing this public health issue effectively.