Turmeric use is associated with reduced goitrogenesis: Thyroid disorder prevalence in Pakistan.

Sir,

This is in response to the letter to the editor by Elahi et al., titled “Reluctance in use of iodized salt for elimination of iodine deficiency” to our original article titled “Turmeric use is associated with reduced goitrogenesis: Thyroid disorder prevalence in Pakistan.”[1] The comments by Elahi et al., that we have suggested the use of turmeric “instead” of iodized salt are misleading and far from the truth.[2] For the sake of clarity, I would like to paraphrase the relevant discussion part of our original article: “Owing to the limitation of resources, we did not assess iodide sufficiency, thiocyanate exposure and autoimmunity in this study. The underlying assumption is that there is significant iodine deficiency among the subjects screened. However, we need objective data in the populace, including children and pregnant women. It would be interesting to see the urinary iodide thiocyanate excretion and autoimmunity state in subjects in future studies.

Our study findings have important real life implications. Advising people to avoid goitrogen containing food is impractical. However, if we can educate them to incorporate turmeric, spices and green chilies in their cooking recipes, we can reduce the risk of goiter development. In addition, use of iodized salt in their daily diet cannot be overemphasized.”

Financial support and sponsorship

Nil.

Conflicts of interest

There are no conflicts of interest.