Considerations

Turnips and all members of the cabbage family contain a compound that can interfere with the thyroid gland, causing low thyroid function, or hypothyroidism. Excessive consumption of glucosinolates in turnips results in production of a compound called goitrin, which inhibits thyroid hormone production. High levels of indole glucosinolates break down into compounds that compete with iodine for absorption. If you have a hypothyroid condition, talk with your doctor about including turnips in your diet.