Iodine Deficiency-Part 2

Goiter refers to the abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland. A goiter when the thyroid gland is producing too much hormone (hyperthyroidism), too little hormone (hypothyroidism), or the correct amount of hormone (euthyroidism). A goiter indicates there is a condition present which is causing the thyroid to grow abnormally. One of the most common causes of goiter formation is iodine deficiency. Goiter was prevalent in the United States many years ago, however it is no longer commonly observed after the presence of -Iodized Salt.

The primary activity of the thyroid gland is to concentrate iodine from the blood to make thyroid hormone. If thyroid gland does not have enough iodine, it cannot make enough thyroid hormone. Therefore, people with iodine deficiency will become hypothyroid. As a result, the pituitary gland in the brain senses low level of thyroid hormone and then sends a signal to the thyroid to stimulate the production of thyroid hormone. This signal is called thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). The condition will make the thyroid gland to grow in size and this abnormal growth is termed a “goiter”. The cells become enlarged when iodine is not available to complete the thyroxine synthetic process.

Source:
Advanced Nutrition: Macronutrients, Micronutrients and Metabolism(2009). CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL.