I’ve talked about he importance of iodine for thyroid and other issues. It is important to make sure that you are getting enough.
The RDA, Recommended Daily Allowance, is based on the amount of iodine required to prevent goiter. In fact, the RDA for most nutritional issues is based on preventing a disease. It is never based on optimal levels. The RDA has set the minimum level of intake at 150 mcg per day.
Regardless of the recommended intake, most people are deficient. Do you know if you are getting enough for optimal health?
A Urine Iodine Load Test is an excellent way of making sure your levels are optimal.
There are several labs that perform this test and we’d be happy to help you get this done. Costs vary from $75-150 depending on the lab.
You can pick up this kit in our clinic and you’ll pay for it when you pick it up.
Instructions:
- When you wake up, first thing in the morning, empty your bladder and flush the toilet
- Take your iodine medication as prescribed
- Collect all of your urine for the next 24 hours into the supplied container. When you wake up the following morning be sure to empty your bladder again and collect that specimen as well.
Interpreting The Results
Your body tends to eliminate most of the iodine you ingest. However, if you are deficient in iodine your body will tend to absorb higher quantities and eliminate less. You should eliminate 90% of the iodine you ingest. Thus, you should eliminate 45mg of the 50mg that you take at the beginning of the test. Anything less than 90% or 45mg indicates iodine deficiency.
We generally recommend replacing iodine based on your results.
