Eine kürzere Statur kann mit einer evolutionären Anpassung an die Risiken von niedrigem Jod in Verbindung gebracht werden

„In Central America, the Maya – who live in regions with iodine-poor soils – show strong evidence of genetic changes in genes indicated in iodine regulation or metabolism, which could reflect adaptation to low levels of iodine in the diet,” Rees said.

“Similarly, we found that the Mbuti population of Central Africa – another population noted for their short stature and living in environments with iodine-poor soils – also bears signs of genetic adaptation in some of the same iodine-dependent thyroid receptors. Given that, in this same region of Central Africa, another short-statured population has previously been shown to have lower rates of goiter than their taller neighbors, we speculate that shorter stature may be linked to an evolutionary adaptation to the risks of low iodine.”

Researchers admit this is speculation.