American Journal of Food and Nutrition

Some biochemical parametersthiocyanate, triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), aspartate aminotranferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), iodine, sodium and potassium were determined from subjects (both sexes), in order to trace the aetiology of goiter observed among some persons living in Bayelsa state. Subjects were admitted into the study in accordance with the operating ethical consideration at the local medical centre. The control group constitutes those certified apparently healthy by the medical practitioner. Thiocyanate determination was done according to the modified method of Haque and Bradbury; whereas the hormonal and the enzymic studies were carried out using ELISA method. Sodium and potassium were determined by flame photometric method. The levels of the analytes determined in the test group (those with endemic goiter) were compared to their control counterparts. The mean (±SD) thiocyanate level (μg/L) determined from the test group (females) was 150.5±15.78; whereas those from the controls were 104.7±1.93 (Males) and 84.67±30.80 (females); and were all higher than the literature critical range. Significant differences (p<0.05) were determined between the mean serum levels of T3, T4, AST, and ALT, in test group and their controls. Interestingly, even the thyroid hormone levels in the control group were at the lower boarder of the reference ranges. These results suggest that the larger population out there could be at risk of developing goiter, if proper intervention measures are not instituted. The high thiocyanate levels determined could be an outcome of chronic accumulation of hydrocyanide arising from high intake of improperly processed cassava (Manihot esculenta cruntz) food products. Cassava is a major staple food in Bayelsa State and known to contain substantive level of the toxicant hydrocyanide which had been implicated in goiter development. Finally the ongoing salt iodination programme in the country, and in some other regions where it is practiced, should be done with caution. It would be worthwhile to first carry out a base-line study to determine the level of deficiency, if any, before embarking on salt fortification with iodine. This is necessary so as to avoid an over-load with the element and its attendant consequences. Key word: Goiter, thyroid hormones, thiocyanate, iodine.