Video Transcript
The figure shows how the thyroid
gland can become enlarged, forming a goiter. What nutrient deficiency may lead
to the formation of an enlarged thyroid, as shown in the figure?
The thyroid gland is one of the
largest glands of the endocrine system. This gland, which is found in your
neck, is controlled by the pituitary gland found in the brain. The thyroid gland produces the
hormone thyroxine. This controls how quickly your body
uses energy, the speed of protein production, and brain development and
function. When thyroxine levels are low, the
pituitary gland tries to stimulate more by releasing a hormone called TSH, or
thyroid stimulating hormone. In some cases, the thyroid gland
may not be functioning properly, and this can lead to a buildup of TSH. This can cause the thyroid gland to
become enlarged and form what’s called a goiter.
In addition to being controlled by
the pituitary gland, the thyroid gland needs the mineral iodine to function
properly. However, the body does not produce
iodine, so the only source of it is from the food that we eat. If the diet is low in iodine, the
thyroid gland will be less able to produce thyroxine. This can lead to a buildup of TSH
and can form a goiter. Therefore, a nutrient deficiency of
iodine can lead to a goiter.
