Intake of thiocyanate by way of milk and its possible effect on thyroid function

The keeping quality of milk can be improved if the lactoperoxidase system is activated. To make such an activation efficient the thiocyanate concentration has to be increased. Since, however, thiocyanate has a potent antithyroid effect, thyroid function has been studied in 37 healthy individuals during 12 wk of daily intake of 8 mg thiocyanate by way of milk. The thiocyanate increased significantly in serum and reached a maximum value after 4 wk (+3.8 mg/1). The increased serum levels coincided with an increased excretion in urine (+ 4.8 mg/g creatinine). The levels of thyroxine, triiodothyronine, and thyrotropic hormone were all in the normal range at the beginning of the investigation and no significant changes were found during the experimental period. In conclusion, a daily intake of 8 mg thiocyanate by way of milk does not have any apparent effect on the thyroid function.