Iodine is a critical mineral for the production of thyroid hormones and if you are deficient in iodine this could be affecting your thyroid health. However, you cannot know whether you are deficient in this mineral without testing. If you are low in iodine, supplementing may improve your thyroid health and with that, your energy, metabolism and hormone balance amongst others. Iodine is also critical in pregnancy for the brain development of the foetus. Read more about how we can help thyroid conditions here
However, if you are already replete or perhaps have been supplementing already and have high iodine, this can actually increase your risk for developing antibodies which attack your thyroid. This is thought to be because with excess iodine, the thyroid is working harder and may be more recognisable to the immune system. Therefore, supplementing with iodine before testing is not recommended.
Iodine is also important for breast health and iodine deficiency may play a role in fibrocystic breast disease and breast cancer. It may also be implicated in stomach cancer.
Who should take this test?
- Anyone concerned about their thyroid health or diagnosed with an under- or over-active thyroid*
- If you are planning a pregnancy
- If you have fibrocystic breast disease or are concerned about breast health
- This test is often run in conjunction with thyroid antibodies or other minerals that are important to your thyroid health
*Please Note: If you are already taking Eltroxin/ Levothyroxine/ Thybon or other thyroid replacement medications, this can elevate your iodine result. Please discuss testing with your Nutritionist
If you are interested in functional medicine testing: please contact us at clinic@glenvillenutrition.ie or make an enquiry online. We have a number of different tests available and it is most helpful, and cost effective, to carry out an initial assessment with your Nutritionist before testing.
