The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the front of the neck, just below the Adam’s apple. It plays an important role in regulating the body’s metabolism, which is the set of chemical reactions that turn food into energy. The thyroid gland produces hormones such as thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which control how quickly cells work, affecting things like heart rate and body temperature. The gland needs iodine from the diet to make these hormones. Problems with the thyroid can lead to conditions such as hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) or hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), which affect energy levels, growth, and other body functions.
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