article · Scientific Reports
A multicentre comparative cross-sectional study evaluated the relationship between Moringa stenopetala dietary consumption, thyroid hormone profiles, and urinary iodine concentrations among 732 adults in southern Ethiopia. Researchers compared individuals from consuming and non-consuming areas using clinical goitre examinations and standard laboratory tests for triiodothyronine, thyroxine, thyroid-stimulating hormone, urinary iodine, and household salt iodine levels. The findings showed no statistically significant differences in mean triiodothyronine or thyroid-stimulating hormone levels between the two groups. In addition, clinical examinations revealed that more than 95 percent of participants in both cohorts had no evidence of thyroid gland enlargement. Overall, the evidence indicates that dietary intake of Moringa stenopetala is not associated with thyroid hormone alterations or goitre formation, suggesting that the plant may be safely consumed for its nutritional benefits without impairing normal thyroid function.
Suspicions that prolonged Moringa stenopetala consumption contributes to goitre have circulated without sufficient clinical verification. By demonstrating that the plant does not impair thyroid hormone levels or provoke thyroid enlargement, this research reassures populations that depend on it as a staple food. It also assists public health bodies in evaluating the safety and nutritional role of indigenous food sources.
The findings provide safety verification that could inform food processing companies, dietary supplement manufacturers, and public nutrition programmes considering Moringa stenopetala ingredients. While the study represents observational health research rather than product testing, the documented absence of adverse thyroid effects removes a key safety concern for commercial food and supplement developers looking to utilise the plant in consumer products.
AI-generated from the published abstract. Always read the original work before citing.
Thyroid hormones, including triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), are synthesized by the thyroid gland and play essential roles in regulating metabolism, growth, and neurodevelopment. Prolonged consumption Moringa stenopetala based diet has been suggested as a potential risk factor for goiter; however, scientific evidence regarding its effects on thyroid hormone levels and urinary iodine concentration remains limited. Therefore, this multicenter comparative cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the association between Moringa stenopetala -based dietary consumption and thyroid hormone profiles, as well as urinary iodine concentrations among adults in Southern Ethiopia. A multicenter comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among 732 randomly selected adults from Moringa stenopetala -consuming and non-consuming areas of Southern Ethiopia. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire and clinical examination for goiter assessment. Thyroid function tests, urinary iodine concentration, and household salt iodine content were determined using standard laboratory procedures. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 25. Independent samples t-test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were employed to compare mean thyroid hormone levels between groups. The chi-square test was used to compare urinary iodine status between the two groups. Multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to identify factors associated with thyroid hormone levels from potential explanatory variables. Statistical significance was declared at p < 0.05 with a 95% confidence interval. The mean values of triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) among Moringa stenopetala -consuming participants compared to non-consuming participants were 1.35 vs. 1.43 nmol/L, 9.23 vs. 8.21 mg/dL, and 1.41 vs. 1.47 mIU/mL, respectively. There was no statistically significant differences in mean score of T3 and TSH between the two groups ( P = 0.30 and P = 0.115, respectively). Additionally, clinical examination revealed that more than 95% of participants in both groups showed no evidence of thyroid gland enlargement. Consumption of a Moringa stenopetala based dietary consumption is not likely to be associated with alterations in thyroid hormone levels or the occurrence of goiter. This finding suggests that the plant may consumed for its nutritional benefits without affecting on thyroid function.
This page summarises published work. The authoritative version sits with the publisher.
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-026-63519-7
Is something wrong with this record? Report it or request removal.
Discussion
Have you built on this work, tried to replicate it, or seen it applied in practice? Share what you know. Verified researchers and MARATTO™ domain experts can open a discussion, and any member can reply. Contributions are reviewed before they appear.
No discussion yet. Open the first thread.
New to MARATTO™? Create a free account.
