Question

In areas where dietary intake of iodine is low, people had swollen necks. What would you say about this occurrence ?

Answer 1

Iodine deficiency causes goiter:

1. A certain amount of iodine is needed in the body to make a chemical called thyroid hormone which controls the metabolism and other essential body functions.
2. Low iodine levels are the cause of low thyroid function and iodine deficiency can cause abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland which is known as goiter and other thyroid problems.
3. This deficiency causes a visible lump on the neck, also called swollen neck.
4. Mountainous areas are more susceptible to iodine deficiency due to iodine leaching from the soil than hilly areas.
5. Iodine deficiency affects people who do not take an appropriate diet or whose bodies don’t process iodine correctly.
6. In children, iodine deficiency can lead to mental disabilities.
7. Low thyroid hormone levels (hypothyroidism) include many symptoms like fatigue, constipation, weight gain, increased sensitivity to cold, muscle weakness, puffy face, depression, poor memory, etc.
8. When left untreated, it can lead to severe complications like heart disease, mental health issues, peripheral neuropathy, and impaired ovulation.