Which of the following is wrong regarding treatment with iodine?(AIIMS Nov 2013, May 2013)
**Question:** Which of the following is wrong regarding treatment with iodine?
A. Iodine is essential for the synthesis of thyroid hormones
B. Excess iodine intake does not cause thyroid dysfunction
C. Iodine supplementation is contraindicated in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis
D. Iodine deficiency causes goiter and hypothyroidism
**Core Concept:**
Iodine is a vital element for thyroid hormone synthesis, particularly in the thyroid gland. Thyroid hormones, namely thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), play crucial roles in regulating energy expenditure, growth, and development. Iodine deficiency can lead to hypothyroidism, goiter formation, and cretinism in children.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right:**
Iodine is essential for thyroid hormone synthesis due to its role in the coupling of tyrosine molecules to form thyroglobulin. In the thyroid gland, iodine is used for the formation of iodothyronines (T3 and T4). In a healthy thyroid gland, excess iodine intake does not cause thyroid dysfunction because the gland has a high affinity for iodine and can regulate its uptake and conversion to thyroid hormones efficiently.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect:**
A. **Iodine supplementation is contraindicated in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis:** Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland, leading to inflammation and damage. In such cases, iodine supplementation may exacerbate the autoimmune response, worsening the patient's condition.
B. **Excess iodine intake does not cause thyroid dysfunction:** As explained earlier, a healthy thyroid gland can regulate iodine uptake and conversion of iodine to thyroid hormones, preventing potential thyroid dysfunction.
C. **Iodine deficiency causes goiter and hypothyroidism:** Iodine deficiency is a more common cause of goiter and hypothyroidism, as it disrupts thyroid hormone synthesis, leading to inadequate hormone production.
**Explanation of the Correct Answer ("D"):**
Iodine deficiency is the primary reason for goiter and hypothyroidism, which are common endocrine disorders caused by insufficient thyroid hormone production. In areas with iodine deficiency, the thyroid gland enlarges (goiter) to compensate for the reduced hormone production, leading to hypothyroidism, where the thyroid gland fails to produce enough thyroid hormones, resulting in symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, and constipation.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect:**
A. **Iodine supplementation is contraindicated in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis:** In contrast to option B, iodine supplementation can exacerbate Hashimoto's thyroiditis, worsening the autoimmune response and potentially causing thyroid storm, which is a life-threatening complication characterized by increased thyroid hormone production, tachycardia, hypertension, and potentially causing seizures, arrhythmias, and coma.
B. **Excess iodine does not cause thyroid dysfunction:** Iodine supplement