Studies on Goitrogenic Agents in Food

The inclusion of arachidoside and anacardioside, the pigments isolated from the outer skin-covering of groundnuts and cashewnuts respectively, in the diet of rats, at a level of 20 mg per rat per day for 7 weeks results in goitre. Incorporation of potassium iodide in the diet counteracts partially the goitrogenic action of the anthocyanins. Results of studies on the distribution of radioactive iodine in the thyroid glands of the rats suggest that the pigments inhibit the organic binding of radioactive iodine.