Iodine Patch Test

[KateJS]

Hi,

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

I’ve been doing some research and I think I’ve been deficient in iodine for quite some time. I did take some a year ago and felt it improved my fatigue but when I started my new job and got healthcare I came off it and stopped all my supplements so I could have a baseline for my blood tests.

Anyway, I just did an iodine patch test out of curiosity so I can discuss with my GP when I get my blood results back. I put one drop of 15% lugols iodine on my forearm and it’s literally disappeared within an hour! Does this mean I’m definitely deficient in iodine? How will I know how much I need to supplement with? Or should wait and see an Endocrinologist first when I get my blood test results back!

Thanks for any advice!

[PurpleNails Administrator]

The test isn’t reliable.

Read through this info on thyroid uk.

thyroiduk.org/11-great-ques...

[KateJS in reply to PurpleNails]

thank you, although this test was on the Thyroid Uk website which is odd if it’s not even that accurate lol 🙄😬🤷🏽‍♀️

Iodine Test patch

[tattybogle in reply to KateJS]

including it in a 'complete list of all available test methods', is just that~ it's not a recommendation to use it ... it clearly says there's no proof it's reliable in humans. and then gives better methods.

[Jaydee1507 Administrator]

You might like to read this post which contains a lot of information about iodine and the thyroid. healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

[KateJS in reply to Jaydee1507]

Thanks I’ll check it out

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK]

helvella - Iodine Patch Test

Why the iodine patch test is not appropriate for indicating iodine status.

helvella.blogspot.com/p/hel...

[KateJS in reply to helvella]

thank you although the first article is old from 1983, just wondering if there is more recent research….

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to KateJS]

I suspect it would be very difficult to get research like this funded.

The first article in my document is dated 1931!

Having read that paper, I think I'd be looking for any research which supports the iodine patch test before considering it further. I am not aware of any such research.

[KateJS in reply to helvella]

Thanks, yes good points! Like with so many things regarding our health care system- so much is distinctly lacking which is why forums like this exist and we have to be our own advocates. Appreciate your feedback