A Goitrogenic Agent from Millet (Pennisetum typhoides) in Darfur Province, Western Sudan

Abstract

Serum samples from girls of an elementary school in western Sudan with grades 0, 1 and 2/3 goiter were examined for their thiocyanate, Cys, thyroxine, TSH and T3 concentrations. The concentrations of thiocyanate in all girls were higher than that reported in the literature for Nigerians; however, the concentrations of thiocyanate were significantly elevated, and those of thyroxine significantly lowered in girls with grades 1 and 2/3 goiter as compared with grade 0. There were no significant differences between groups in the concentrations of Cys or TSH and T3. The predominant staple food eaten in this area of Sudan was millet and evidence was produced that this contained a goitrogenic thionamide which could be a factor in causing the endemic goiter.