A substance or chemical that causes or promotes the development of a goiter by interfering with thyroid hormone production or iodine absorption.
Formed from goiter combined with the Greek suffix -gen meaning 'something that generates or produces,' following the pattern of biochemical terminology like 'allergen' and 'carcinogen.'
Goitrogens are hidden in everyday foods—thiocyanates in cruciferous vegetables like kale are mild goitrogens, but they actually have incredible health benefits that outweigh the thyroid risk, especially if you have adequate iodine. It's a reminder that nutritional science is nuanced and context matters enormously.
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