ABSTRACT
Iodine deficiency is recognized as a major international public health problem because of the large number of populations living in iodine-deficient environments, characterized primarily by iodine-deficient soils. Iodine functions as an integral part of the thyroid hormones, the pro-hormone thyroxine, and the more potent active form 3,5,3’-triiodothyronine which is the key regulator of important cell processes. The regulation of thyroid hormone synthesis, release and action is a complex process involving the thyroid, the pituitary, the brain and peripheral tissues. The utilization of absorbed iodine is influenced by goitrogens, which interfere with the biosynthesis of the hormones.50 Goitrogens are found in vegetables of the genus brassica and in some staple foods such as cassava, corn and lima beans used in poorer countries. In contrast to urinary iodide, the prevalence of goiter reflects a population’s history of iodine nutrition properly reflect its present iodine status.
