Question

What are the symptoms of Iodine deficiency in the body?
A. Goitre
B. Mental retardation
C. Anemia
D. Night blindness
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. A, and B only
• B. A, B and D only
• C. A, B, C and D
• D. B, C and D only

Hint:

Iodine: goitre and cretinism. Iron: anemia. Vitamin A: night blindness.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Iodine is a trace mineral. The thyroid gland needs it to make the hormones thyroxine and triiodothyronine. Without enough iodine, the thyroid and the brain are affected.

Step 2: Check statement (A) Goitre:
When iodine is short, the thyroid gland enlarges in the neck as it tries to work harder. This swelling is called goitre. So (A) is a symptom of iodine deficiency.

Step 3: Check statement (B) Mental retardation:
Thyroid hormones are needed for brain growth in the foetus and infant. Severe iodine deficiency in early life causes cretinism, which includes mental retardation. So (B) is a symptom.

Step 4: Check statement (C) Anemia:
Anemia is mainly caused by lack of iron, and also by lack of vitamin B12 or folic acid. It is not a symptom of iodine deficiency. So (C) is not correct.

Step 5: Check statement (D) Night blindness:
Night blindness is caused by lack of vitamin A, which is needed for the pigment rhodopsin in the eye. It has no link with iodine. So (D) is not correct.

Step 6: Match with the options:
Only A and B are correct. Option 1 says "A and B only", so it matches. Options 2, 3 and 4 include anemia or night blindness, so they are wrong.

Final Answer:
Goitre and mental retardation are the symptoms of iodine deficiency. The correct choice is option 1, A and B only.