Millets, an ancient, nutrient rich, gluten-free, grains once a staple in many parts of the world especially Africa and Asia are now seeing a renewed popularity in India and the West, as people look for more nutritious, climate-resilient foods. This new interest is also due to the fact that many people are choosing gluten free, fibre rich diets for better gut health. But along with their advantages, there is also a new concern that has emerged: Can high millet consumption contribute to goiter (thyroid enlargement)? Few scientific reviews shed light on this possibility, some supporting and others opposing this view.
As millets can play an important role in attaining Sustainable developmental goals SDGs, the United Nations General Assembly declared the year 2023 as the International Year of Millets (IYOM). Government Of India also officially supported this initiative through various schemes and promoted the consumption for its varied health benefits.
In simple terms, goiter is the enlargement of the thyroid gland. It may be the result of irregular cell growth that forms one or more lumps (nodules) in the thyroid. A goiter may be associated with no change in thyroid function or with an increase or decrease in thyroid hormones. It can present as a palpable or visible enlargement of the thyroid gland at the base of the neck. It is mostly associated with Iodine deficiency, but could also be the result of autoimmune disorders, pregnancy etc.
A systematic review of various studies done on this topic has been published in PMC in 2024 titled whether pearl millet (Bajra) consumption might cause or contribute to goiter. The review identified and verified nine relevant studies (eight on pearl millet, one on fonio millet). It has finally concluded that existing literature is not strong enough to assert that millet, when consumed as part of a balanced diet, causes goiter in the general population, but points out that more studies on vast scale is required to make a strong conclusion about this matter. 1
Notably, these studies often come from regions with iodine deficiency, which is itself a major cause of goiter. One such study conducted in endemic goiter region in Sudan concluded with a positive correlation. But, when millet is a substantial part of the diet in such regions and the region has shown a long-standing goiter prone tendency, it is challenging to diffrentaite whether goiter results from iodine deficiency, from millet, or a combination of those and other factors. 1
Organically, millets, especially pearl millet (Bajra) contain C-glycosylflavones, a type of goitrogenic compound. Experimental and in vitro work suggests these compounds may inhibit thyroid peroxidase (TPO), an enzyme required for iodination of thyroid hormones. Some animal and laboratory studies show that millet extracts can interfere with TPO activity and lead to thyroid enlargement.
However, these findings are largely from controlled or animal settings and on raw Bajra diet. The review emphasizes the lack of robust epidemiological evidence linking everyday millet consumption to clinically significant goiter in iodine-sufficient populations. 1
Thus, the evidence as of now suggests that while the possibility of goiter cannot be dismissed in certain contexts, especially where iodine deficiency exists, millet consumption in itself is unlikely to be a direct cause of goiter in populations with adequate iodine nutrition.
The goiter concern is not new. In regions where millet is consumed heavily, such as some parts of Africa or the Indian subcontinent, historic reports of higher rates of thyroid enlargement prompted investigation. Since, millets can contain goitrogenic compounds, scientists derived that they might interfere with iodine use in the thyroid and subsequent goiter.
In India and parts of Africa, where iodine deficiency is common, such as remote or rural areas lacking iodized salt, the presence of goitrogenic foods might exacerbate the risk.
After decades of decline in area under millet cultivation, India is now promoting millets via policy and consumer awareness campaigns. After UN declared 2023 as the “International Year of Millets,” Indian government promoted integrating millets into public distribution systems, mid-day meals, and local agricultural incentives.
In the country, millets such as bajra (pearl millet), ragi (finger millet), jowar (sorghum), foxtail, little millet, and kodo are being promoted for their nutritional benefits(vitamin B, magnesium, iron) and sustainability due to lower water requirement and climate resilience.
Despite this renewed focus, consumption in many urban areas is still limited and occasional especially since routinely wheat and rice are the majorly consumed grains.
In Western nations, consumers increasingly seek gluten-free alternatives. Millets fit this niche: many varieties are naturally gluten-free, with a high fiber and nutrient profile. Trends of multigrain breads, millet breads and porridge are driving this consumption. They are also sold in the form of high-energy bars.
The nutritional appeal is enhanced by benefits like low glycemic index,
Millets are a good source of complex carbohydrates (65–75 %), protein (7–12 %), dietary fiber (8–15 %), and micronutrients such as iron, zinc, magnesium, phosphorus, and B vitamins. 1Their high fiber content helps slow digestion, which stabilizes blood sugar levels. 3
Compared to refined cereals, millets often deliver better satiety, richer antioxidant compounds (phenolics, flavonoids), and favorable mineral profiles. 4
Processing methods (e.g. germination, fermentation, soaking) can help reduce antinutritional factors (such as phytic acid, tannins) and improve mineral bioavailability. 1
From a health perspective, millets have been studied in relation to type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and lipid control. Some animal and human studies suggest they help reduce triglycerides, improve lipid profiles, and support heart health. 2
Nonetheless, reliance on any single grain, even a nutritious one, should be avoided. A balanced and varied diet is the most meaningful one to follow.
As the present data does not support the ongoing debate of "millets are causing Goiter", Iodine deficient populations should try to maintain a balanced and iodine rich diet according to the scientific research.
References
Zhao, Qiong, et al. "Does consumption of pearl millet cause goiter? A systematic review of existing evidence." Frontiers in Nutrition (2024). National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10955131/.
India Science and Technology Portal. “Millets: Future Food.” Department of Science and Technology, Government of India. Accessed October 6, 2025. https://www.indiascienceandtechnology.gov.in/listingpage/millets-future-food.
Lang, Ariane. “What Is Millet? Nutrition, Benefits, and More.” Healthline, May 7, 2023. Accessed October 6, 2025. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/what-is-millet.
Sood, Smita, and Prakash Shetty. “Millets: Health Benefits, Production, and Challenges in India.” International Journal of Food Properties (2023). Figure accessed via ResearchGate. https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Millets-health-benefits-production-and-challenges-in-India-Data-were-taken-from_fig1_372496467.