Final answer:
Without dietary iodine, a person would likely develop a goiter, have a sluggish metabolism, and potentially suffer from severe intellectual disabilities, especially during childhood. Iodine is vital for producing thyroid hormones that regulate many body functions, including brain development.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a person is unable to eat iodine in their diet, they may experience symptoms related to inadequate thyroid hormone production. This can lead to a condition called goiter, which is the enlargement of the thyroid gland. In adults, this results in reversible symptoms such as a sluggish metabolism. However, in children, the consequences are much more severe, resulting in permanent intellectual disability due to the essential role of thyroid hormone in brain growth and development. Disorders associated with iodine deficiency include not only goiter but also hypothyroidism, characterized by symptoms like weight gain, cold sensitivity, and reduced mental activity.
Globally, iodine deficiency is a significant cause of preventable intellectual disabilities. To combat this, iodine is added to salt in many countries, which has been effective in reducing the incidence of goiter and other iodine deficiency disorders.