Iodine is necessary for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland which controls the body's basal metabolism rate through its production of two hormones, thyroxine, and triiodinethyronine. Without a sufficient amount of iodine in the diet the gland begins to enlarge its cells in its efforts to produce the hormone, thus producing a goiter, which is a swelling around the neck. Certain regions lack iodine in the soil which leads to cretinism, the physical and mental development of an infant passed on from the lack of iodine in the mother's diet.
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