Na'ila is a two-year-old child living in Liberia. A doctor notices she has physical deformities and mental retardation and diagnosis her with cretinism. Which of the following nutrient deficiencies would have resulted in her condition?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Cretinism is a condition resulting from a deficiency of thyroid hormone, which is directly linked to a lack of iodine in the diet. The thyroid gland needs iodine to produce thyroid hormones, which are critical for brain development and growth. A deficiency in iodine can lead to hypothyroidism in adults and cretinism in children, characterized by physical deformities and mental retardation.

Na'ila Is a Two-Year-Old Child Living in Liberia