What is the term for a group of clinical entities caused by dietary iodine inadequacy?

The term for a group of clinical entities caused by dietary iodine inadequacy is iodine deficiency disorder. Iodine is an essential trace element that is crucial for the production of thyroid hormones, which are vital for regulating metabolism and supporting growth and development in humans. An inadequate intake of iodine can lead to various health issues, collectively known as iodine deficiency disorders. These disorders include goiter (enlargement of the thyroid gland), hypothyroidism, and, in severe cases, intellectual disabilities in infants and children when the deficiency occurs during pregnancy.

This terminology is standardized by health organizations and highlights the specific impact of insufficient iodine on health, distinguishing it from more general terms like nutritional deficiency, which can encompass a broader range of dietary insufficiencies beyond iodine. By recognizing iodine deficiency disorder as a distinct clinical syndrome, it emphasizes the importance of iodine as a nutrient and the public health strategies necessary to prevent these conditions, such as iodization of salt.