What role does iodine play in the thyroid gland?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the function and importance of iodine in relation to the thyroid gland.
Answer
Iodine is crucial for making thyroid hormones T3 and T4.
Iodine plays a critical role in the thyroid gland by enabling the production of thyroid hormones, thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which are essential for regulating metabolism, growth, and development.
Answer for screen readers
Iodine plays a critical role in the thyroid gland by enabling the production of thyroid hormones, thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which are essential for regulating metabolism, growth, and development.
More Information
Iodine is an essential micronutrient, and the thyroid gland requires it to synthesize two major hormones: thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones play a vital role in metabolic processes and overall human development. Insufficient iodine can lead to iodine deficiency disorders, such as goiter and hypothyroidism.
Tips
A common mistake is overlooking the importance of sufficient iodine intake in diet, which can lead to thyroid dysfunction.
Sources
- Iodine: Its Role in Thyroid Hormone Biosynthesis and Beyond - PMC - pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Iodine and thyroid function - PMC - NCBI - ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Iodine and thyroid - btf-thyroid.org
