Which element affects the rate of metabolism in the body?

Which element affects the rate of metabolism in the body?

• A. Iodine
• B. Iron
• C. Calcium
• D. Sodium

Answer: (A)

Metabolism is largely governed by thyroid hormones, which set the speed of many chemical reactions in the body's cells. The thyroid gland makes these hormones using iodine, so having enough iodine ensures the thyroid can produce enough T4 and T3 to keep the metabolic rate normal. When iodine is deficient, thyroid hormone production falls and the metabolism slows. Other minerals have important roles in health, but they don’t directly control the overall metabolic rate the way thyroid hormones do. Iron is crucial for oxygen transport and various enzymes, calcium supports bones and cellular signaling, and sodium helps with fluid balance and nerve function.

Metabolism is largely governed by thyroid hormones, which set the speed of many chemical reactions in the body's cells. The thyroid gland makes these hormones using iodine, so having enough iodine ensures the thyroid can produce enough T4 and T3 to keep the metabolic rate normal. When iodine is deficient, thyroid hormone production falls and the metabolism slows.

Other minerals have important roles in health, but they don’t directly control the overall metabolic rate the way thyroid hormones do. Iron is crucial for oxygen transport and various enzymes, calcium supports bones and cellular signaling, and sodium helps with fluid balance and nerve function.