What are Goitrogens?
Certain chemical substances like thiocyanates, phenols, disuphides, flavanoids etc, found in the environment, can interfere with iodine metabolism. These substances are known as goitrogens, which could cause goitre. Common foods such as cabbage, sorghum, finger millets and mustard contain goitrogens. Although excessive intake of such foods can cause goitre, this appears to be of secondary importance in the etiology of endemic goitre.