Association of Moringa stenopetala based dietary consumption with thyroid function among adults in southern Ethiopia: a multicenter comparative cross-sectional study

Abstract

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.