Iodization of salt is a widely adopted public health measure aimed at preventing Goitre. Goitre is an enlargement of the thyroid gland caused primarily by iodine deficiency.
Iodine is an essential micronutrient required for the synthesis of thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism, growth, and development. Lack of sufficient iodine in the diet leads to thyroid dysfunction, resulting in goitre and other iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) such as mental retardation and developmental abnormalities.
To combat iodine deficiency, governments around the world, including India, have implemented salt iodization programs. By adding small amounts of iodine to common table salt, these programs ensure adequate iodine intake across the population, significantly reducing the incidence of goitre and related disorders.
Conclusion:
The correct answer is Goitre, which iodization of salt helps to prevent as a crucial public health intervention.