The disease caused by deficiency of iodine is:

Correct option is C

The correct answer is (c) goitre.
· Goitre is a disease caused by the deficiency of iodine in the diet.
· Iodine is an essential trace element required by the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism and other vital functions in the body.
· When there is insufficient iodine, the thyroid gland enlarges in an attempt to capture more iodine from the bloodstream, leading to the formation of a visible swelling in the neck known as goitre.
· This condition can lead to thyroid imbalances such as hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone levels) and can affect physical and mental development, especially in children.
· The implementation of iodized salt has helped in preventing iodine deficiency and its associated conditions like goitre.
Other Options:
· Malaria: Malaria is caused by the Plasmodium parasite, transmitted through the bites of infected mosquitoes. It is not related to iodine deficiency.
· Chicken Pox: Chickenpox is a viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus, unrelated to iodine levels.
· Anaemia: Anaemia is typically caused by a deficiency in iron, vitamin B12, or folic acid, not iodine. It is characterized by a shortage of red blood cells or hemoglobin.