Iodine deficiency; how to test for it and what it can mean
Did you know iodine deficiency is listed as the leading cause of intellectual disability in the world?
With today’s ever evolving dieting trends, doctors and experts are worried about iodine deficiency. Drastic moves away from iodine rich foods mean many people are suddenly finding themselves struggling with new symptoms due to iodine deficiency.
How to test yourself for iodine deficiency at home
If you don’t already have an iodine solution at home, you will need to purchase a tincture of iodine.
Using a cotton swab, apply a 2 inch square of iodine on your inner forearm. The square doesn’t need to be precise in terms of shape or dimensions, but it should be conspicuous.
- If you do not want to put the iodine on your forearm, you could also put it on your abdomen or inner thigh.
- Be sure to let the iodine dry for at least 20 minutes before covering it or letting it touch anything since it will stain.
Monitor the iodine for 24 hours to watch for any color fading. Check the patch every 3 or so hours to monitor how long it takes to disappear. If the patch is still fully visible after 24 hours, you likely don’t have a deficiency.
- If the patch disappears or fades significantly over 24 hours, you may have a minor to moderate iodine deficiency
- If the patch disappears in under 18 hours, you may have a moderate to severe iodine deficiency.
See a doctor for diagnostic testing
The iodine patch test can help indicate if there may be an iodine deficiency, but it’s far from a diagnostic test. If your patch test indicated that you may have a deficiency, see your doctor for a proper diagnostic test and management options.
- Depending on the severity of your symptoms, you may want to consult with your doctor even if your test didn’t indicate a deficiency.
- Especially if you notice you have an enlarged thyroid, it’s time to make an appointment with your doctor.
Read this article for the full list of possible effects and complications of iodine deficiency.
Supplementing diet with iodine rich foods
Adults typically require 150 micrograms (mcg) per day. Pregnant and breastfeeding women need 200 mcg per day. Iodine is found in many types of foods. It’s most concentrated in foods like:
- fish
- eggs
- nuts
- meats
- bread
- dairy products
- seaweed
- iodized table salt
Sometimes due to personal diets, or more extreme cases of deficiency, supplementing with an iodine solution is recommended.
It is possible to incorrectly dose with an iodine solution and end up dealing with unwanted side effects, to avoid this, we strongly recommend following the instructions on the bottle, or reading this article on good lugol’s iodine dosing practices.
How Can A Lack of Iodine Effect the Human Body? - ROCKSAP · April 22, 2021 at 7:48 pm
[…] Considering up to 90% of the USA is deficient in iodine, it’s a popular issue. Having the same symptoms of iodine deficiency does not always mean you are iodine deficient, as other issues can also cause these symptoms. It’s easy to test yourself for iodine deficiency at home. […]