Iodine

[Mandy2007]

Hi, I have Hashimoto’s. Like many been on a journey to get well for years. I’m in menopause. Decided I am going to to a process of elimination getting things tested to ensure I am optimising on vitamins/minerals/supplementation etc. I did a urine iodine test through Medichecks which has come back as a little low (I had a feeling it would), Iodine Creatine 83 ug/g should be >100. My Creatine urine was 0.59g/l and the range is >0.2. It was actually mid range when I checked out the attached scale. I am waiting for blood results which are testing me for Anaemia. My B12 is (was) low and I supplement for that. My iron & ferritin have been low end in range in the past but I’ve never taken iron as I know you have to be careful with that.

Having read through the Iodine posts on here I can see that it’s important not to overdose and to make sure you are low before supplementing. I don’t eat shellfish as I react, and I’m non diary. What would your suggestion be on how best to “ingest” iodine to bring my levels up?

Also, apart from all the usual Thyroid tests and B12, Vit D, Ferritin & Folate, what other tests could be helpful to piece this jigsaw together? I did the DIO2 gene test a couple of years ago which came back positive so I know I do not convert effectively.

At this stage I am prepared to do any test that will flag up any potential deficiency. Any helpful suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you 🙏

[greygoose]

I assume you are on thyroid hormone replacement, levo or something? How much are you taking? You will be getting iodine from that. 100 mcg levo contains about 65 mcg iodine, which is recycled in the body.

However, being on thyroid hormone replacement will not only mean that you are getting iodine daily, but also that you need less iodine because your thyroid is not making thyroid hormone anymore. Those ranges for iodine tests are for people will healthy working thyroids, that need iodine for hormone production. For someone who is not making thyroid hormone, the bottom of the range would obviously be much lower. So, it is doubtful that you do to raise your level.

[Mandy2007 in reply to greygoose]

Thanks for your reply. I am on 100mcg of Levo & 25 of T3. Any thoughts on other areas to check? Thank you

[greygoose in reply to Mandy2007]

If you know your iron/ferritin are low, you should supplement them. Just keep a careful eye on levels. Low iron will make you feel terrible. You don't need to be half as wary of taking iron as you do of iodine.

If you're taking B12 are you also taking a B complex to keep the Bs balanced?

Have you tested zinc/copper? Cortisol? Human Growth hormone? Sex hormones?