Thyroid and Iodine deficiency

How to Test for an Iodine Deficiency at Home

If your curious to know if you're deficient in the essential mineral iodine, you're not alone. 

In 2008, researchers concerned about the growing threat of iodine deficiency analyzed 88 samples of iodized table salt - the main supply of this critical micronutrient for most people. Less than half of those tested contained amounts of iodine sufficient for optimal health.

Combined with the trend of reduced "iodized" salt consumption, rates of iodine deficiency are now reaching epidemic levels.

In the developed world iodine deficiency has increased more than fourfold over the past 40 years. Nearly 74% of normal, "healthy" adults may no longer consume enough iodine. (2,3)

Here's some iodine facts that may shock you: 

• Iodine deficiency is linked to obesity, heart disease, cognitive impairment, psychiatric disorders, and various forms of cancer.

• Iodine helps fight breast cancer, and fibrocystic breast disease.

• Iodine is one of the most common nutrient deficiencies in the world. (4)

Symptoms of an Iodine Deficiency Include:

• Fatigue or lethargy

• Brain fog

• Memory problems

• Thinning hair

• Constipation

• Depression

• Difficulty losing weight

• Headaches

• Dry skin

• Muscle weakness and joint stiffness

Here is an easy way you can test for an iodine deficiency at home.

One of the most popular ways to test for iodine deficiency at home is the iodine patch test. The iodine patch test measures how quickly the body absorbs iodine transdermally through the skin.

1. Get an iodine solution.

2. Drop the iodine solution onto the skin.

Paint a 3-inch by 3-inch circle using the iodine tincture onto your inner forearm, tummy, or inner thigh.  Allow it to dry before touching anything, especially clothing as the iodine will stain.

3. Monitor the patch.

If the patch still exists after 24 hours, the results are normal. If the patch disappears or mostly disappears in less than 24 hours, it is supposed to indicate some degree of deficiency. Significant lightening or complete disappearance in less than 18 hours is said to indicate a moderate to severe iodine deficiency and suggest a need to supplement.

How Accurate is the Iodine Skin Patch Test?

Over the past 100 years, the use and application of iodine transdermally onto the skin has been used extensively for iodine supplementation and has been found to be an effective way to supplement the body with iodine. (5) In 1989, scientists tested the amount of iodine absorbed through the skin of 24 adult males and found that it was absorbed through the skin and also effective at delivering the essential mineral iodine to the body. (6) 

Although several recent studies have demonstrated increases in iodine levels through skin absorption, this test is not perfect. It's designed to give you a good idea of how quickly your body absorbs iodine, but it may not be 100% accurate, because other outside factors do exist. (7,8)

For example, other factors play a role in the disappearance of the orange color stain of iodine from the surface of the skin like, evaporation affected by ambient temperatures and atmospheric pressure. If you want a laser accurate way to test your iodine status, schedule an iodine loading test with your physician.

Final Thoughts on Iodine.

In a toxic world it's very easy for people to fall below their individual nutritional intake requirements. Getting enough iodine from diet alone is almost impossible these days.