P. Laurberg, I. B. Pedersen, A. Carlé
2009
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13
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Abstract
Thiocyanate is a competitive inhibitor of the sodium iodide symporter (NIS) at thiocyanate levels normally found in blood. Thereby, it worsens iodine deficiency by inhibition of thyroidal iodide accumulation and by inhibition of iodide transport into breast milk for infant nutrition. Exposure to thiocyanate corresponds to a decrease in iodine intake. Cessation of smoking, reduction of industrial pollution and improved diet will reduce the role of thiocyanate in thyroid disease. Large amounts of thiocyanate are generated in people with a high intake of cyanide from tobacco smoking, from cyanide in food, or from industrial pollution of the environment with cyanide. In individuals exposed to high levels of thiocyanate, adverse effects may be prevented by an increase in iodine intake. In areas of low iodine intake, thiocyanate exposure increases the risk of dvelopmental and other iodine deficiency disorders. As the overall effect of thiocyanate is to hamper utilization of iodide, the main effect of thiocyanate is to worsen iodine deficiency. By this mechanism thiocyanate is one of the most important environmental compounds influencing the occurrence of thyroid disease.