It is possible to become mentally retarded due to a deficiency of iodine. The thyroid fails to produce enough hormones, and in severe cases myxoedema can result. The deficiency may cause physical and mental lethargy. It can deaden all initiative and result in extreme lack of interest in anything, especially in work or job-related activities, while it may increase the desire to eat. The entire metabolism is affected, normal heart function is slowed down considerably, with low blood pressure following. When sexual potency is also low or lacking entirely, liveliness and emotional feelings will be missing. It is not infrequent to observe a miraculous change in a patient if he is given iodine in the form of seaweed tablets, for example, Kelpasan, and if he is put on a natural wholefood diet.
The formation of goitre is in almost every case connected with an iodine imbalance. This subject has been discussed in great detail in the preceding sections and the reader is advised to refer to these for further information.
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