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Marta is a pregnant woman suffering from severe iodine deficiency. As a result of the deficiency, she has a high risk of giving birth to a child with

A. type 2 diabetes.
B. ariboflavinosis.
C. cretinism.
D. phenylketonuria.

User Simonlord
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1 Answer

5 votes

Final answer:

Marta's severe iodine deficiency during pregnancy creates a high risk that she will give birth to a child with cretinism, a form of neonatal hypothyroidism characterized by cognitive and physical growth issues, not the other conditions listed.

Step-by-step explanation:

Marta is a pregnant woman suffering from severe iodine deficiency, which has led to significant risks for her unborn child. During pregnancy, an adequate supply of dietary iodine is crucial for the synthesis of thyroid hormones like T3 and T4. These hormones are essential for normal development of the fetus. Without sufficient iodine, the mother may experience insufficient hormone production, which can lead to several disorders including goiter. In particular, iodine deficiency can cause neonatal hypothyroidism, more commonly known as cretinism, in the child. This condition is marked by cognitive deficits, short stature, and could also include hearing and speech impairments. Hence, of the options provided, severe iodine deficiency during pregnancy poses a high risk of the child being born with C. cretinism.

Other problems such as type 2 diabetes and phenylketonuria are not directly caused by iodine deficiency. Ariboflavinosis is also not related to iodine deficiency; instead, it is a deficiency of riboflavin (vitamin B2). It is also essential to note that the regular use of iodized salt or iodine supplements in drinking water can prevent issues like goiter and the severe effects of iodine deficiency.

User BenjaminPaul
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7.5k points
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