Goitre is caused due to deficiency of iodine in the diet.
Symptoms of goitre are as follows:
(i) Abnormal growth of thyroid gland situated in the front part of the neck.
(ii) Increase in body weight due to accumulation of fat and retention of water in the body.
(iii) Increased rate of spontaneous abortion and still birth.
(iv) Disorder in nervous system. Iodine deficiency in childhood causes reduced functioning of the thyroid gland resulting in retarded growth.