Iodine Deficiency and Thyroid Function: Understanding the Impact

If iodide salts are lacking in the diet, the thyroid gland

A. increases its production of thyroxine.

B. decreases its production of thyroxine.

C. stops producing thyroxine altogether.

D. begins to produce calcitonin.

The correct answer is B.

The thyroid gland needs iodide to produce thyroid hormones, including thyroxine. Without enough iodine, the thyroid gland can't produce enough hormones, which can lead to a number of health problems, including goiter, an enlargement of the thyroid gland.