Question

Small amount of iodine is added to common salt so that

• A. Oedema is prevented
• B. Common salt is utilised properly in the body
• C. Occurrence of goitre is prevented
• D. Kidney remains efficient in maintaining water balance

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

Occurrence of goitre is prevented

Small amount of iodine is added to common salt so that occurrence of goitre is prevented. Iodine is necessary for the synthesis of the thryoxine hormone. Thyroxine hormone is synthesized in the thyroid gland. It controls the metabolism of proteins, fats and carbohydrates and hence regulates the growth of the body tissues. Iodine is essential for the normal rate of hormone synthesis in thyroid. Deficiency of iodine in diet result in low secretion of thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism) and enlargement of thyroid gland (simple goitre).