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.
Thiocyanate overload in Central Africa, especially if also in conjunction with selenium deficiency.[2] Reliance on cassava as a carbohydrate provides a source of thiocyanate in some areas.[3]
^ Takizawa T, Imai T, Ueda M, Onodera H, Hirose M (2006). "Comparison of enhancing effects of different goitrogen treatments in combination with beta-estradiol-3-benzoate for establishing a rat two-stage thyroid carcinogenesis model to detect modifying effects of estrogenic compounds". Cancer Sci.97 (1): 25–31. doi:10.1111/j.1349-7006.2005.00132.x. PMID 16367917.
^ Akindahunsi AA, Grissom FE, Adewusi SR, Afolabi OA, Torimiro SE, Oke OL (1998). "Parameters of thyroid function in the endemic goitre of Akungba and Oke-Agbe villages of Akoko area of southwestern Nigeria". African journal of medicine and medical sciences27 (3-4): 239–42. PMID 10497657.
^ Son HY, Nishikawa A, Kanki K, et al (2003). "Synergistic interaction between excess caffeine and deficient iodine on the promotion of thyroid carcinogenesis in rats pretreated with N-bis(2-hydroxypropyl)nitrosamine". Cancer Sci.94 (4): 334–7. PMID 12824900.