Step 1: What is Goitre?
Goitre is an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland, typically caused by a deficiency of iodine in the diet. The thyroid gland uses iodine to produce thyroid hormones, and without enough iodine, the gland enlarges to compensate.
Step 2: Why Other Options Are Incorrect.
- (A) Protein: While protein deficiencies can cause malnutrition, they do not cause goitre.
- (C) Calcium: Calcium deficiency leads to conditions like osteoporosis or rickets, not goitre.
- (D) Fat: Fat deficiencies cause malnutrition but not goitre.
Step 3: Conclusion.
Iodine deficiency causes goitre, so the correct answer is (B).