Iodine - can't find link to recent article

[Anthea55]

Not long ago someone posted a link to an article suggesting that iodine is not as bad as we have been led to believe. I meant to read it at the time, but didn't and now I can't find it. Does anyone remember this and can give me a link to it? This time I'll bookmark it and read it!

My naturopath adviser is recommending that I take iodine.

Thanks

[diogenes Remembering]

If you have hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and are taking levothyroxine you do not have a functioning thyroid to absorb iodine and therefore you do not require iodine. Iodine use with hypothyroidism can make matters worse by inhibiting even further what functioning thyroid you may have so that perversely the enzymes that produce T4 and T3 there are inhibited by the extra iodine. If you are not hypo or hyperthyroid then it is a case of first finding whether you are iodine deficient, before taking any.

[Anthea55 in reply to diogenes]

Thanks, Diogenes

I was first diagnosed underactive in 2011. I have since found that I have Hashis antibodies. Originally on Levo, then Erfa, then NatureThroid until seeing Dr P in 2017 who recommended Metavive. As far as I'm concerned I'm not good at converting.

I had iodine urine test in 2016 which showed that iodine was adequate.

Due to reaction to new formula Metavive (and Dr P being retired) I'm now taking advice from a naturopath. He has got me to do a patch test for iodine which apparently showed that I need to supplement.

What you are saying is exactly what I have understood about supplementing iodine.

One thing I do say is that if I'd taken all the advice I've been given by doctors without doing my own research or getting 2nd opinions, I would be in a wheelchair by now - which at over 80 - I am not.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Anthea55]

SeasideSusie may add link to recommended Non-loading iodine test

Patch test is considered unreliable

[Anthea55 in reply to SlowDragon]

Thanks SlowDragon

So - patch test unreliable, and I'm told that the urine test shows what is in the urine, not what is in the blood.

I can understand the comment about urine testing. My mother when about 20 became ill and they found sugar in her urine, so they diagnosed her as being diabetic (this was in about 1920). This was definitely the wrong treatment and made her worse, until she was finally diagnosed with a 'low renal threshold' which meant that her body was not retaining enough sugar and she needed to have food regularly. I think it's now called glycosuria.

I think I'll just take a fairly low dose of iodine for now.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Anthea55]

If you eat dairy and fish it’s highly unlikely you are iodine deficient

Recommend getting tested via test SeasideSusie recommends before even considering adding any iodine

[ginid in reply to diogenes]

I am a bit late to this post but I found it interesting what you said about iodine possibly making matters worse if hypo.I'm sure my Hashimoto's must have started a few years back and at the time I started taking Nascent Iodine. I cannot even remember why but around the same time i noticed the malanin gradually disappearing from my hands and arms and I assumed it was vitiligo. Now I do not have patches but have very pale arms and hands and probably no melanin there anymore.I wonder if the iodine caused it as I think it can make autoimmune conditions worse! I think now I realise that just because something is natural doesn' t mean you should take it!

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Anthea55

Further to Diogenes great reply,

My naturopath adviser is recommending that I take iodine.

I hope your naturopath advisor is also recommending that you test first (with a non-loading test) to see if you are deficient.

[Anthea55 in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thanks Seaside Susie

I've just replied to Diogenes which I think gives my details.

What is a non-loading test please?

[SeasideSusie Remembering in reply to Anthea55]

Anthea55

This article discusses flaws in the iodine loading test (ignore any reference to their test they sell)

zrtlab.com/blog-media/zrtla...

Genova Diagnostics do a non-loading iodine urine test which says

Iodine is an essential trace element, vital for healthy thyroid function. Adequate levels are required to enable the production of T3 and T4 thyroid hormones, whilst also being required in other areas of health. Deficiencies can lead to impaired heat and energy production, mental function and slow metabolism. Urine iodine is one of the best measures of iodine status. This test is not performed as a loading test, but can be used to establish existing levels or to monitor iodine supplementation.

You can order this with ThyroidUK as your "Practioner", you need to do this as Genova don't deal direct with the public.

How to order and receive results:

thyroiduk.org/getting-a-dia...

Link to pdf list of tests, you want test END25 on page 3

thyroiduk.org/wp-content/up...

Urine Iodine Test:Specimen requirements: UrineCost:£71.00Order Code: END25Turnaround time: 5 -10days

**

I had iodine urine test in 2016 which showed that iodine was adequate.

Which test was this?

Iodine is easily available from food here in the UK, in particular milk, yogurt, white fish, scampi. Food fact sheet from the British Dietetic Association:

bda.uk.com/resource/iodine....

[Anthea55 in reply to SeasideSusie]

2016 was a urine test by Biolabs. I had had a test a few months earlier also at Biolabs which was a shambles. It was marked 'More than adequate', but I had not been told to avoid fish and seafood and by the time of the test (in the afternoon at Biolab and having had seafood for lunch) I felt that the test was wasted. I also wondered if the NDT I was taking could affect my iodine levels. I know all that as I sent them a letter complaining and it's filed away on my computer.

Thanks for that info. I'll look into it and may have to argue for not taking iodine (4 drops of Lugols iodine solution also used for the patch test).

I eat plenty of milk, yoghurt, fish and occasionally treat myself to a prawn cocktail - have to do something when self isolating!

Thanks again.