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goitrogenic

goitrogenic

1 9.9
Causing the small gland in the neck to grow and swell
  • adjective
  • /ˌɡɔɪtrəˈdʒɛnɪk/
  • Specialized
: goitrogénico
  • Certain foods, such as raw kale and cabbage, can be goitrogenic and may affect thyroid function.

Examples

  • It may be of interest that cultures like the Okinawans consumed sweet potatoes that are slightly goitrogenic.

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  • Also, the Hunza (which is a bit mythical, I know) consume millet and buckwheat as staples, and the former is goitrogenic.

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  • Eating large amounts of soy products can sometimes have a goitrogenic effect on the body.

  • The nutritionist explained that some vegetables are goitrogenic, particularly when consumed uncooked.

Surface Forms

goitrogenic positive

Morphology

goitrogenic = goiter (semi-transparent) = goiter + genic

The form is fairly clear as 'goiter' plus the scientific suffix '-genic' meaning producing, but the term is specialized medical vocabulary rather than an everyday transparent word.

Etymology

Goitrogenic comes from goiter, the word for a swelling in the 'neck' where the thyroid sits, and the ending -genic, which means 'causing' (seen in words like photogenic). So goitrogenic describes something that can cause a 'goiter' or 'neck swelling' by affecting the thyroid.