What condition is most commonly associated with low levels of iodine?

Low levels of iodine are most commonly associated with goitre, which is an enlargement of the thyroid gland. Iodine is essential for the production of thyroid hormones, which play a critical role in regulating metabolism, growth, and development. When the body lacks sufficient iodine, the thyroid gland attempts to compensate by increasing in size to capture more iodine from the bloodstream. This can lead to visible swelling in the neck area, commonly known as a goitre.

Other conditions such as hypertension, obesity, and anemia are not primarily linked to iodine deficiency. They involve different physiological mechanisms and dietary factors unrelated to iodine levels. For example, hypertension is typically related to factors like sodium intake and stress, while obesity is influenced by overall caloric intake and physical activity levels. Anemia, on the other hand, is often associated with deficiencies in iron, vitamin B12, or folate rather than iodine. Therefore, the most direct and common condition resulting from low iodine is goitre.