Questions: Multiple Choice Question The deficiency of which mineral during pregnancy can result in the birth of a child with cretinism? calcium zinc iron iodine

The answer is the fourth one (or D): iodine.

Explanation for each option:

• Calcium: While calcium is essential for the development of the baby's bones and teeth, its deficiency is not linked to cretinism.
• Zinc: Zinc is important for cell growth and immune function, but its deficiency does not cause cretinism.
• Iron: Iron is crucial for preventing anemia in both the mother and the baby, but its deficiency is not associated with cretinism.
• Iodine: Iodine deficiency during pregnancy can lead to cretinism, a condition characterized by severe mental and physical developmental delays in the child. Iodine is essential for the production of thyroid hormones, which are critical for brain development.

Summary: The deficiency of iodine during pregnancy can result in the birth of a child with cretinism.