Iodine Blood Test

Iodine, Serum/Plasma - Iodine is an essential element that is required for thyroid hormone production. The measurement of iodine serves as an index of adequate dietary intake and iodine overload, particularly from iodine-containing drugs such as Amiodarone.

What Is Iodine?

Iodine is the chemical element in our bodies, required for the production of thyroid hormones. The thyroid hormone regulates your metabolism and other essential functions such as body temperature and keeps our vital organs working.

Why Is Iodine Important?

An Iodine deficiency can lead to a host of medical issues, including an abnormal swelling of the thyroid gland, known as a goiter. Without the necessary components to produce thyroid hormones, children can experience thyroid dysfunction, resulting in stunted growth and, in some cases, mental disabilities. Proper iodine intake is imperative for pregnant women, as they require more iodine than any other demographic. Iodine deficiency in pregnant women can result in miscarriage, pre-term delivery, low birth weight, and congenital abnormalities of the child. Children of mothers with mild to severe iodine deficiency during pregnancy can experience intellectual disabilities and issues with growth, hearing, and/or speech. If you suspect you or a loved one is experiencing an iodine deficiency disorder (IDD), consider taking an iodine blood test. This test does not require fasting or a prior doctor’s visit. Test results should be available within two to three days.

How Do I Prevent Iodine Deficiency?

The human body does not create iodine on its own, so it is an essential component of our diets. Dietary sources of the chemical element can be found in foods such as:

• Seaweed
• Saltwater fish and shellfish
• Dairy products
• Chicken
• Eggs
• Nuts
• Iodized table salt

The average adult requires around 150 micrograms (mcg) of iodine per day, while pregnant and breastfeeding women require a daily 200 mcg. Over the past century countries around the globe have worked to eliminate iodine deficiency, as it is the most common preventable cause of brain damage in the world. The widespread use of iodized salt has helped curb the issue, but there are still many regions of Europe, Africa, and Asia where iodized salt is unavailable. In these areas, it is recommended pregnant women take a daily iodine supplement, or in the most severe cases, receive an injection of iodized oil.

How Do I Detect Iodine Deficiency?

In addition to a visible lump, known as a goiter, forming on one’s neck, individuals with an IDD could experience hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism develops when the body cannot create enough thyroid hormones, due to a lack of iodine consumption. Symptoms in adults might include:

• Fatigue
• Muscle pain or weakness
• Intolerance to cold temperatures
• Constipation
• Dry skin
• Weight gain
• High cholesterol
• Stiff or painful joints
• Thinning hair
• Heavier-than-normal period in menstruating women

Children and teenagers may experience:

• Poor growth
• Delayed tooth development
• Delayed puberty

In infants hypothyroid can be characterized by:

• Frequent choking
• Large tongue
• Puffy face
• Insufficient muscle tone
• Extreme sleepiness

If left untreated, serious medical conditions can arise. Complications could involve heart disease, depression, cognitive impairment, impaired ovulation, or even damage to the body’s peripheral nerves. See a healthcare professional as soon as possible if you experience a newfound and intense sensitivity to cold or drowsiness so extreme it results in unconsciousness. If you are experiencing any or multiple symptoms, think about investing in a simple but accurate iodine blood test.

How Is Iodine Deficiency Treated?

The most effective way to correct iodine deficiency is through a healthy diet. Vegans and vegetarians can be at higher risk of developing an IDD as their diets exclude many iodine-rich sources. Individuals whose diets alone do not contain enough iodine may consider taking iodine supplements to bridge the gap. Iodine supplements containing potassium are absorbed quickly and efficiently by the body.

Can I Take Too Much Iodine?

It is, in fact, possible for excess levels of iodine to have adverse health effects. Typically, people who have never been iodine deficient can process large amounts of iodine without any issue. However, for individuals with low iodine tolerance, too much iodine can cause hyperthyroidism, which can lead to many of the same symptoms that come with iodine deficiency. Someone with low iodine tolerance might have lived in an iodine-deficient region of the world, and their body is used to making do with only a small amount. If relocated to an area where iodine intake is sufficient, even typically healthy levels of iodine can cause thyroid issues. A surplus, as well as a deficiency of iodine, can disrupt the thyroid gland, causing an abnormality in the creation of thyroid hormones. An iodine blood test could help determine whether you are consuming too much or too little of the essential nutrient.

 

Sources

Ahad, F., & Ganie, S. A. (2010). Iodine, Iodine metabolism and Iodine deficiency disorders revisited. Indian journal of endocrinology and metabolism, 14(1), 13.

 

Gaitonde, D. Y., Rowley, K. D., & Sweeney, L. B. (2012). Hypothyroidism: an update. South African Family Practice, 54(5), 384-390.

 

Patrick, L. (2008). Iodine: deficiency and therapeutic considerations. Alternative Medicine Review, 13(2).

 

Zimmermann, M. B., Jooste, P. L., & Pandav, C. S. (2008). Iodine-deficiency disorders. The Lancet, 372(9645), 1251-1262.

 

Zimmermann, M. B. (2009). Iodine deficiency. Endocrine reviews, 30(4), 376-408.

 

Zimmermann, M. B. (2009). Iodine deficiency in pregnancy and the effects of maternal iodine supplementation on the offspring: a review. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 89(2), 668S-672S.