Iodine test necessary?: Hi there! Is it necessary... - Thyroid UK

Thyroid UK

140,282 members165,001 posts

Iodine test necessary?

Ad78 profile image
Ad78
10 Replies

Hi there!

Is it necessary to test iodine levels? I want to order thyroid tests and I would like to know if iodine tests are useful or necessary?

Written by
Ad78 profile image
Ad78
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
10 Replies
SeasideSusie profile image
SeasideSusieRemembering

Ad78

In the UK iodine deficiency is uncommon, we get iodine from basic food like milk, yogurt, white fish, etc. If we take Levothyroxine we get iodine from that (it is not an added ingredient). So it's quite easy to get the recommended daily intake of 150mcg iodine from those sources.

Testing iodine is recommended if you are considering supplementing with iodine. You shouldn't take it if you're not iodine deficient. If you do test it should be the non-loading test.

Ad78 profile image
Ad78 in reply to SeasideSusie

I don’t eat any of those foods because I have multiple food sensitivities. Cannot tolerate sea weed either. I am not on levothyroxine yet. I want to test thyroid again now so I know if to get on levo

SeasideSusie profile image
SeasideSusieRemembering in reply to Ad78

In that case, if you are worried that you might be iodine deficient, Google "iodine deficiency symptoms" and if you think you need to test then do the non-loading test with Genova Diagnostics through ThyroidUK. Test code is END25 (click on the link to the pdf from the link below) and how to order and receive results explained here:

thyroiduk.org/tuk/testing/g...

Ad78 profile image
Ad78 in reply to SeasideSusie

Thank you SeasideSusie. Appreciate the guidance

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator

For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4 and FT3 plus both TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested. Also EXTREMELY important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12

Low vitamin levels are extremely common, especially if you have autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto's) diagnosed by raised Thyroid antibodies

Or restrictive diet may cause low nutrient levels

See that you previously had negative thyroid antibodies test

20% of Hashimoto's patients never have raised antibodies

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

Recommended on here that all thyroid blood tests should ideally be done as early as possible in morning and before eating or drinking anything other than water .

This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip, best not mentioned to GP or phlebotomist)

Is this how you do your tests?

Private tests are available. Thousands on here forced to do this as NHS often refuses to test FT3 or antibodies

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

For thyroid including antibodies and vitamins

Medichecks Thyroid plus ultra vitamin or Blue Horizon Thyroid plus eleven are the most popular choice. DIY finger prick test or option to pay extra for private blood draw. Both companies often have special offers, Medichecks usually have offers on Thursdays, Blue Horizon its more random

Come back with new post once you get results

Ad78 profile image
Ad78 in reply to SlowDragon

Yes I was going to order all of that with Medichecks. Fed up with the NHS telling me my levels are okay when I feel rubbish all the time.

Just remembered to add that I have multiple cysts on my thyroid: NHS Scan and I have been told that they are harmless

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator in reply to Ad78

So that suggests it’s probably Hashimoto’s

Are you on gluten free diet?

Dairy or Lactose free?

Both are extremely common food intolerances with Hashimoto’s

Ad78 profile image
Ad78 in reply to SlowDragon

Yes I am gluten, dairy and lactose free. Are you thinking Hashimotos because of the cysts or the sensitivities?

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator in reply to Ad78

Both ...

Ad78 profile image
Ad78 in reply to SlowDragon

Thank you

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

iodine(urine test)

hi guys/girls, i just received my iodine test back from genova, but cant make out what it means, it...

Iodine Patch Test

Hi, I’ve posted before that I think I have Hashimotos and I have my T4 and antibody blood tests...

Iodine Blood Test Result

Hey - I was planning to stop my thyroid medication I never stopped it before and I don't have...

Iodine patch test

Hello everyone , I have done iodine patch test recommended by my naturopath and it faded away...

Iodine loading test?

I have recently had a urine iodine test which showed I was very deficient. Apparently this test in...