Goitre or Iodine deficiency disorder – there is more than meets the eye

Abstract

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Iodine deficiency is the world's most widespread, yet easily preventable, cause of brain damage. Iodine is an essential element that is needed for the production of thyroid hormones, thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) which are essential for the normal growth and development, and well being of all humans. Iodine was discovered by Courtois in 1811 as a violet vapor arising from seaweed ash while manufacturing gunpowder for Napoleon's army. Gay-Lussac identified it as a new element, and named it iodine, from the Greek for “violet.” Iodine was found in the thyroid gland by 1 Baumann in 1895. The body does. JMS 2012;15(1):1-3.