A portrait of Eduardo Gaitán Marulanda and his work on endemic goiter

Abstract

Introduction. Dr. Eduardo Gaitán Marulanda was an influential figure in the history of Colombian Endocrinology, recognized for his contributions to the understanding of endemic goiter.

Contents. His early work demonstrated the independent regulatory control of antidiuretic hormone and oxytocin. Later, his observations in Candelaria (Valle, Colombia) led to studies that ruled out iodine deficiency as the cause of endemic goiter. Through experimental analyses conducted in Cali, Vanderbilt, and Mississippi, he identified aliphatic and sulfur-containing hydrocarbon compounds, derived from sedimentary rocks, present in drinking water and capable of inducing goiter.

Conclusions. His research transformed the etiological understanding of endemic goiter and established a scientific legacy of international impact and lasting significance for Colombian Endocrinology.