As you hear the term iodine, you may immediately associate it with salt. That’s unsurprising, given that nearly three-quarters of families in the United States consume iodized salt to enhance the taste of their meals, according to a prior study. Given that many individuals consume an excessive amount of salt, how could a person acquire an iodine deficiency? The response may astound you.
Because your body is not able to make iodine naturally, you must get it via your food. Adults need about 150 micrograms (mcg) each day. Women who are pregnant or nursing need 200 mcg each day.
A recent thorough study of many brands of widely viable salt revealed that iodine is quickly lost from the item once it is opened. By 4 weeks of opening the jar and exposing it to air, the iodine concentration is virtually depleted (even faster when there are higher levels of humidity). The research indicates that amongst those who regularly are using the salt shaker for preparing meals, daily iodine consumption may be less than the daily requirement.
Iodine is naturally found in soil and saltwater. Iodine availability in meals varies by location of the globe. Individuals may maintain an appropriate iodine level in their diets using the iodized table salt, consuming foods rich in iodine, such as dairy foods, shellfish, meat, certain bread, as well as eggs, and taking an iodine-containing multivitamin. However, the quantity of iodine in meals is not stated on food packaging, making it impossible to locate the source of iodine in foodstuffs.
Iodine Deficiency Disorders and Complications
Around 2 billion individuals worldwide suffer from iodine deficiency. It is more prevalent in poorer nations, where individuals might lack access to sufficient nutritious meals. However, it may also harm individuals in industrialized nations who do not consume a sufficient amount of iodine or whose systems do not absorb it properly.
Pregnant women need the highest amount of iodine of any group of individuals. As a result, individuals are more prone to develop a deficit if they do not make a deliberate effort to eat foods rich in iodine.
When left untreated, iodine deficiency can lead to severe hypothyroidism. Complications may include:
- Heart disease and related disorders, such as an enlarged heart and heart failure.
- Mental health issues such as depression and cognitive impairment
- Damage to the body’s peripheral nerves, known as peripheral neuropathy.
- impaired ovulation, which may cause infertility in women.
- Problems with the Thyroid gland to produce the T4 and T3 hormones.
- Lowered IQ levels in children.
How do you know if you’re Iodine Deficient?
Have you noticed an unusual weight gain? You feel lethargic and your skin is not getting any softer despite all the moisturizers and remedies. Well, chances are you might be having an iodine deficiency!
There are plenty of signs that indicate iodine deficiency. Have a look!
Neck swelling:
A goitre, or swelling around the front of your neck, is a frequent sign of iodine deficiency. It happens as your thyroid gland gets compelled to produce thyroid hormones due to a deficient iodine supply in the body.
A goitre, or swelling around the front of your neck, is a frequent sign of iodine deficiency. It happens as your thyroid gland gets compelled to produce thyroid hormones due to a deficient iodine supply in the body.
Weight gain:
Low iodine concentrations may decrease your metabolic activity and promote fat storage rather than energy production. This may result in weight gain.
Low iodine concentrations may decrease your metabolic activity and promote fat storage rather than energy production. This may result in weight gain.
Lethargy:
Low iodine concentrations may cause fatigue, sluggishness, and weakness. That’s because the mineral is required for the production of energy by the body.
Low iodine concentrations may cause fatigue, sluggishness, and weakness. That’s because the mineral is required for the production of energy by the body.
Hair loss:
Iodine deficiency may impair the regeneration of hair follicles. Fortunately, obtaining an adequate amount of iodine may assist in reversing hair loss caused by an iodine shortage.
Iodine deficiency may impair the regeneration of hair follicles. Fortunately, obtaining an adequate amount of iodine may assist in reversing hair loss caused by an iodine shortage.
Dry skin:
Iodine shortage may result in dried, flaky skin, since the mineral aids in the regeneration of skin cells. It also aids in sweating and moisturises the skin cells, thus an iodine deficit may result in decreased sweating.
Iodine shortage may result in dried, flaky skin, since the mineral aids in the regeneration of skin cells. It also aids in sweating and moisturises the skin cells, thus an iodine deficit may result in decreased sweating.
Feeling cold:
Iodine contributes to the production of body heat, thus low amounts may make you feel cooler than normal.
Iodine contributes to the production of body heat, thus low amounts may make you feel cooler than normal.
Decreased heart rate:
A shortage in iodine may cause your heart rate to decrease, leaving you feeling weak, tired, disoriented, and at danger of fainting.
A shortage in iodine may cause your heart rate to decrease, leaving you feeling weak, tired, disoriented, and at danger of fainting.
Decreased memory:
At any age, an iodine shortage may impair your ability to learn and recall. One potential explanation for this may be a brain that is undeveloped.
At any age, an iodine shortage may impair your ability to learn and recall. One potential explanation for this may be a brain that is undeveloped.
Effects on pregnancy:
Consuming an adequate amount of iodine is critical for pregnant and nursing women, since their requirements are greater. Iodine shortage may have serious consequences, particularly for infants, such as growth retardation and brain development.
Irregular periods:
Certain women who are deficient in iodine may have heavy or abnormal periods. It’s because hypothyroidism may mess with hormones engaged in menstrual cycle regulation.
Consuming an adequate amount of iodine is critical for pregnant and nursing women, since their requirements are greater. Iodine shortage may have serious consequences, particularly for infants, such as growth retardation and brain development.
Irregular periods:
Certain women who are deficient in iodine may have heavy or abnormal periods. It’s because hypothyroidism may mess with hormones engaged in menstrual cycle regulation.
Get Tested for Iodine Deficiency?
If you or your doctor suspects you have an iodine deficiency, they will usually check your iodine levels in one of four ways:
Indirect Assessment by Looking at Thyroid Symptoms
Because it is difficult to evaluate an individual’s iodine level directly, an indirect evaluation may be performed by searching for symptoms of hypothyroidism. Iodine deficiency impairs thyroid hormone manufacturing, resulting in hypothyroidism.
The most frequent symptoms are excessive tiredness, sensitivity to cold, chilly hands and feet, cloudy thinking or trouble focusing, increased sleepiness, dryness, losing hair, and constipation. Either one of these symptoms may depict decreased thyroid hormone levels and/or low iodine levels.
The most frequent symptoms are excessive tiredness, sensitivity to cold, chilly hands and feet, cloudy thinking or trouble focusing, increased sleepiness, dryness, losing hair, and constipation. Either one of these symptoms may depict decreased thyroid hormone levels and/or low iodine levels.
Thyroglobulin Levels
When thyroglobulin (Tgbn) levels are elevated in a thyroid that is otherwise working properly, it is probable that the thyroid is attempting to compensate for an iodine shortage. The less iodide available to the thyroid, the further the thyroid gland expands in response to increasing TSH stimulation.
The further thyroid tissue there is, the more thyroglobulin there is. Similarly, when thyroglobulin levels are optimum (3–10 ng/mL), sufficient iodine is accessible for appropriate thyroid hormone synthesis, and any changes in dietary iodine consumption are likely to be well-absorbed by the thyroid.
The further thyroid tissue there is, the more thyroglobulin there is. Similarly, when thyroglobulin levels are optimum (3–10 ng/mL), sufficient iodine is accessible for appropriate thyroid hormone synthesis, and any changes in dietary iodine consumption are likely to be well-absorbed by the thyroid.
Urine Test
This is the simplest and fastest test. While urinary tests (“spot” / urine samples) are often employed in epidemiologic research to determine iodine sufficiency in a population, the technique is subject to significant day-to-day fluctuation in particular individuals and is therefore not routinely utilised in everyday practise.
Blood Test
Regrettably, the iodine blood test that your doctor may do is not particularly accurate. Blood tests for Iodine can be used in conjunction with a 24 hours urine test.
Iodine Patch Test
The iodine patch test is a test where doctors paint a patch of iodine on your skin and check how it looks 24 hours later. For those who are not iodine deficient, the patch fades no sooner than 24 hours. But a deficiency will likely cause the iodine to be absorbed into the skin more quickly. However, the iodine patch test has been debunked and is not considered accurate.
Iodine Loading Test
This test measures how much iodine you excrete in your urine over a 24-hour period. It’s not the fastest test; nor is it the most convenient. (You need to collect every urine sample you have in a 24-hour period).
An “iodine loading test” cannot be suggested any more since its concept is built on a long-perpetuated misapplication of prior research examining the anticipated iodine clearance following a large dosage of iodine and the resulting extremely poor sensitivity.
An “iodine loading test” cannot be suggested any more since its concept is built on a long-perpetuated misapplication of prior research examining the anticipated iodine clearance following a large dosage of iodine and the resulting extremely poor sensitivity.
Iodine and Bromine Levels in the Urine
This urinary iodine measurement is an easy and straightforward method of determining recent iodine sufficiency. However, even this method of iodine testing is insufficient for determining long-term iodine status in the absence of thyroid test findings.
Urinary bromine analysis provides information on iodine status since bromine prevents iodine from entering the thyroid gland. This implies that even if urine iodine concentrations are adequate, if bromine levels are increased, tissue iodine levels could be insufficient. As such, this component must always be compared to iodine.
Urinary bromine analysis provides information on iodine status since bromine prevents iodine from entering the thyroid gland. This implies that even if urine iodine concentrations are adequate, if bromine levels are increased, tissue iodine levels could be insufficient. As such, this component must always be compared to iodine.
Look out for Medicines you take
Certain medications can also increase the amount of iodine in your system. Since there is a discrepancy between traditional, holistic medicine and the government guidelines, the amount of iodine that a person needs should be determined for each person corresponding to their health issues as guided by an experienced doctor or holistic practitioner.
It is extremely simple for individuals to go below their unique nutritional needs in today’s environment of endocrine disruptors, incorrect diets, and everyday stresses. Given the critical functions of iodine both within and outside the thyroid, its adequacy is critical for all of our patients.
When indications of iodine shortage begin to manifest, use these recommendations to conduct an investigation. Once a diagnostic pattern corresponding to those symptoms emerges, the next step is to choose an iodine supplement plan after consulting an expert.
It is extremely simple for individuals to go below their unique nutritional needs in today’s environment of endocrine disruptors, incorrect diets, and everyday stresses. Given the critical functions of iodine both within and outside the thyroid, its adequacy is critical for all of our patients.
When indications of iodine shortage begin to manifest, use these recommendations to conduct an investigation. Once a diagnostic pattern corresponding to those symptoms emerges, the next step is to choose an iodine supplement plan after consulting an expert.
My Experience with Iodine
I’ve struggled for at least 15 years to have my iodine levels in optimal range and it was one of several factors that affected my thyroid that led to my diagnosis of hypothyroidism.
My first knowledge came from reading Dr.Brownstein, author of the book ”Iodine: Why You Need It, Why You Can’t Live Without It.” After I read the book, I asked my holistic doctor about using a patch test to see if I was deficient in Iodine.
This test consisted in painting a patch of iodine on your skin and checking how it disappeared within 24 hours. The results were that my skin absorbed the iodine tint as soon as I painted my arm indicating that I was deficient in this important mineral.
My doctor recommended starting to paint parts of my legs, stomach or arms with a Lugo’s 2% solution every day changing the location on my body to see if it will help with my Iodine deficiency. I did it for almost one year. It was messy, uncomfortable especially if I had to travel. It was annoying when by mistake some drops of Iodine solution fell into my clothing and counters.
So, I decided to try a different way to take Iodine additionally to my diet and I started to take Iodoral pills of 12.5 MG twice a week. That is a higher dose than recommended dietary amounts (RDA) by the government and the World Health Organisation (WHO) for people aged 14 and older, of only 150 mcg/day.
In a holistic approach, this amount of iodine is too low and it is recommended to increase this dose, but it depends on each person and should be done under medical supervision. Iodine is an important mineral that plays a important role in the health of your thyroid and wellbeing in general because each of your cells needs iodine to function properly I started to take 12.5 mg that represents 25,000 mcg a week. This dose was higher than the recommended by traditional doctors.
My doctor recommended starting to paint parts of my legs, stomach or arms with a Lugo’s 2% solution every day changing the location on my body to see if it will help with my Iodine deficiency. I did it for almost one year. It was messy, uncomfortable especially if I had to travel. It was annoying when by mistake some drops of Iodine solution fell into my clothing and counters.
So, I decided to try a different way to take Iodine additionally to my diet and I started to take Iodoral pills of 12.5 MG twice a week. That is a higher dose than recommended dietary amounts (RDA) by the government and the World Health Organisation (WHO) for people aged 14 and older, of only 150 mcg/day.
In a holistic approach, this amount of iodine is too low and it is recommended to increase this dose, but it depends on each person and should be done under medical supervision. Iodine is an important mineral that plays a important role in the health of your thyroid and wellbeing in general because each of your cells needs iodine to function properly I started to take 12.5 mg that represents 25,000 mcg a week. This dose was higher than the recommended by traditional doctors.
Even though this dose was on the high side, it didn’t raise my iodine levels in my blood. My doctor decided to increase my Iodine supplement to 3 pills and raised it over the years to 4 and 5 pills of 12.5 mg each week. I ended up taking 62.5 MG of Iodine which is equivalent to 62,500 mcg a week.
This dose was an excessive dose of Iodoral but for some reason I blocked the Iodine in my system and didn’t cause me any health problems. I was also taking all the supplements and vitamins (vitamin C, D-3, Selenium, Zinc, Magnesium, Coq10, omega-3, copper, B12, milk thistle etc) needed so this high amount of Iodine wouldn’t harm my thyroid.
Even at those high doses my Iodine levels only raised a few numbers from 36 ug/L in my last Iodine blood test to only 42 ug/L taking in consideration the normal range for Iodine is between 40.0-92.0 ug/L
I was monitoring my iodine levels with regular blood tests taken once a year. Looking back instead of blood tests I should have gotten a 24-hour urine test.
I researched the factors that could possibly stop my body from processing Iodine and couldn’t find what was causing the problem. I had eliminated bromide, fluoride, and plastic containers.
I ate only small portions of cooked cruciferous vegetables, cheese, yogurt, organic chicken, grass-fed meats, wild salmon from Alaska and sushi to get more iodine from my diet.
And still my body didn’t absorb and process Iodine from the foods and supplements I was taking.
Then my doctor decided to increase my Iodoral to 6 pills a week, the amount of Iodine went up to 75 Mg a week (equivalent to 75,000mcg), This was an extremely high dose to take, but my doctor decided to try for only 3 months due to my low levels of iodine from my last blood test.
This dose was an excessive dose of Iodoral but for some reason I blocked the Iodine in my system and didn’t cause me any health problems. I was also taking all the supplements and vitamins (vitamin C, D-3, Selenium, Zinc, Magnesium, Coq10, omega-3, copper, B12, milk thistle etc) needed so this high amount of Iodine wouldn’t harm my thyroid.
Even at those high doses my Iodine levels only raised a few numbers from 36 ug/L in my last Iodine blood test to only 42 ug/L taking in consideration the normal range for Iodine is between 40.0-92.0 ug/L
I was monitoring my iodine levels with regular blood tests taken once a year. Looking back instead of blood tests I should have gotten a 24-hour urine test.
I researched the factors that could possibly stop my body from processing Iodine and couldn’t find what was causing the problem. I had eliminated bromide, fluoride, and plastic containers.
I ate only small portions of cooked cruciferous vegetables, cheese, yogurt, organic chicken, grass-fed meats, wild salmon from Alaska and sushi to get more iodine from my diet.
And still my body didn’t absorb and process Iodine from the foods and supplements I was taking.
Then my doctor decided to increase my Iodoral to 6 pills a week, the amount of Iodine went up to 75 Mg a week (equivalent to 75,000mcg), This was an extremely high dose to take, but my doctor decided to try for only 3 months due to my low levels of iodine from my last blood test.
After 3 months, I decided to take a blood test as well so that I could compare to my previous tests, a 24-hour urine iodine test, and a thyroid panel to see if this high dose had affected my T4 and T3.
After getting my results I had a big surprise that my iodine levels went very high in the urine 24 hour test to 1,003.8 ug/24 hr, but in the regular urine test came normal at 344.5 ug/dL (28.0-544.0 ug/dL) and also my blood test for Iodine came at the lower side of the normal range 47.2 ug/L (40.0-92.0 ug/L) This result was a little higher than my previous test(42 ug/L).
I know this is a little confusing. The laboratory uses the same urine example from the 24 collection and gives you 2 results. One called an Iodine urine test and the other a 24 hour Iodine test.
After getting my results I had a big surprise that my iodine levels went very high in the urine 24 hour test to 1,003.8 ug/24 hr, but in the regular urine test came normal at 344.5 ug/dL (28.0-544.0 ug/dL) and also my blood test for Iodine came at the lower side of the normal range 47.2 ug/L (40.0-92.0 ug/L) This result was a little higher than my previous test(42 ug/L).
I know this is a little confusing. The laboratory uses the same urine example from the 24 collection and gives you 2 results. One called an Iodine urine test and the other a 24 hour Iodine test.
How have the Results of my Iodine Tests Affected my Thyroid Hormone Levels?
Comparing to my last test before adding the extra pill of Iodoral, my free FT4 decreased from 1.37 to 1.10 ng/dL (0.82-1.77 ng/dL), and my FreeT3 went down from 4.0 pg/ml to 3.4 pg/mL (2.9-4.4 pg/mL), even though this levels are in the call normal range, for me they are low, no wonder why I started to experiencing hypothyroidism symptoms again.
- My hypothyroidism symptoms came back: mental fog, low concentration, start gaining weight and my energy went down.
- My FT4 and FT3 decreased
- My thyroid medicines needed to be increased, from 75 mcg to 90 mcg for my T4 and for T3(compounded slow release) from 20mcg to 30 mcg.
After 3 months my symptoms had disappeared but now it is harder to get back to my weight prior to taking 6 Iodoral pills a week. Even though, my weight is still in the normal range, I’d like to lose at least 3 lb because that will be my optima weight instead of following the normal range determined by the government guidelines. I’m working toward that goal with exercises, diet, vitamins, and supplements.
My take on this experience is that urine blood tests and regular urine tests are not reliable, and we should take a 24-hour urine test to find out if we are taking too much iodine from supplements or diet or to find out if you don’t have enough Iodine in your body.
Currently, I’m taking 2 Iodoral pills(12.5mg) cut in half, so the strength will go down to 6.25 mg a day, and I’ll take another 24 urine tests in 6-12 months. Also, I’ll check my thyroid hormones in 3 months to see if my FT4 and FT3 went back to the optimal range.
I learned one more time the importance of having periodic blood tests to find out how my thyroid and my overall health is doing. Also, it is advisable checking for food allergies, heavy metals, and deficiencies in vitamins and nutrients. And to use a 24-hour urine Iodine test instead of a blood test or regular urine test to monitor iodine levels every 6-12 months.
