Final answer:
Inadequate iodine in the diet can lead to hypothyroidism, cretinism, goiter, and high blood levels of TSH. These conditions are a result of impaired thyroid hormone synthesis, and therefore, the correct answer is 'e) All of the above'.
Step-by-step explanation:
Inadequate iodine in the diet can lead to several health issues due to its crucial role in the synthesis of thyroid hormones T3 and T4. The conditions that may result from iodine deficiency include:
- Hypothyroidism: This occurs when the thyroid gland produces insufficient amounts of T3 and T4, leading to a low metabolic rate, weight gain, cold sensitivity, constipation, and reduced mental activity.
- Cretinism: Also known as neonatal hypothyroidism, this condition affects infants born to iodine-deficient mothers and is characterized by cognitive deficits, short stature, and sometimes deafness and muteness.
- Goiter: An enlarged thyroid gland caused by the overproduction of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in response to insufficient thyroid hormone production. The visible swelling is an indication of an iodine deficiency.
- High blood levels of TSH: When the body cannot synthesize enough T3 and T4 due to a lack of iodine, TSH production increases in an attempt to stimulate the thyroid gland, which may lead to goiter formation.
All these conditions are linked to inadequate iodine intake and can lead to serious health problems. Therefore, the answer to this question is e) All of the above.