About iodine
Iodine is extremely important for the thyroid gland and necessary to be able to convert tyrosine (amino acid) to the thyroid hormone thyroxine (T4). Furthermore, iodine is needed for all the cells in your body, for the production of all the body’s hormones, for the muscles and the brain. WHO reports that iodine deficiency can cause brain damage and affect the mental health of fetuses and babies. Iodine deficiency is 6 times more common in women than in men.
Iodine is an important component of thyroid hormones that controls our metabolism and thus affects our health and well-being. Too much of the thyroid hormone increases metabolism, which leads to weight loss and elevated body temperature. Excessive levels can cause overproduction (hyperthyroidism) and can lead to toxic goiter. Too little of the hormone (hypothyroidism) has a negative effect on metabolism, which leads to weight gain, low body temperature and elevated blood lipids. It is important to be aware of whether you are at risk of suffering from a deficiency in order to avoid problematic health effects.
Iodine as a supplement
For fatigue, breast lumps, ovarian and genital cysts, as well as the prevention of goiters and infections, iodine is often taken as a supplement.
Iodine deficiency
A lack of iodine can arise from insufficient levels or from a deficiency in thyroid hormone. This deficiency hinders the thyroid gland from producing adequate hormones. Women, pregnant women, nursing mothers and people who eat a lot of ready-made food or eat a low-salt diet are mainly affected. The consequence is then so-called hypothyroidism, which is a sub-function of the thyroid gland. Hypothyroidism means that the thyroid gland produces too little of the hormone thyroxine (T4) and causes the thyroid gland to enlarge (form of goiter). The thyroid gland under the chin then grows in a desperate attempt to increase the capacity to increase the production of thyroid hormone. In addition to weight gain, you can suffer from:
- Elevated blood lipids
- Low body temperature
- Low metabolism
Symptoms of iodine deficiency are fatigue, chills, depression, weight gain, dry skin and hair loss. These symptoms may appear without any disease being diagnosed. Iodine deficiency and impaired thyroid function manifest themselves in the same way. Susceptibility to infection, poor circulation, cold hands and feet, PMS, constipation, muscle cramps and muscle weakness can be additional symptoms of deficiency. In children, iodine deficiency can lead to stunted growth and mental development. Taking iodine supplements without knowing for sure that you have an iodine deficiency can be harmful to the body and instead lead to the reverse condition, overproduction of the thyroid hormone, which in the worst case can lead to toxic goiter.
Iodine deficiency always manifests itself as a deficiency of thyroid hormone, but a deficiency of thyroid hormone does not necessarily mean a deficiency of iodine.
Sources of Iodine
Seafood is a primary source of iodine. In many Western countries, salt contains added iodine. However, processed foods often prefer iodine-free salt due to its baking properties. If you consume many processed foods, consider monitoring your iodine intake. It’s also wise to take an iodine test.
Obesity or depression with no connection to the thyroid gland?
The thyroid gland directly affects the metabolism and our mental well-being. However, there are other factors that may come into play. More and more studies are now showing the connection between which bacteria we have in our intestinal flora and our weight. For those of you who want to know more about this, you should take a test that looks into your gut health and for those of you who suffer from depression, we can also recommend that you measure your serotonin. Serotonin is also measured in urine, just like iodine.
How to take GetTested’s Iodine Test?
When your body has enough iodine, it expels the excess in urine. In fact, we usually excrete about 90% of the iodine we ingest. Measuring the iodine against creatinine in urine shows potential deficiencies.
This test uses a urine sample, which you collect at home. After ordering, we’ll send you a test kit. Once you send the sample to our lab, they analyze it. You’ll then get your digital results.
Before you start, you need to register your test. Your test kit contains a sticker with your unique test ID. Register your test ID at 
Open the test tube and place it on a flat surface. Make sure the tube doesn’t fall.
Collect your morning urine in the cup. Collect from the streamflow and not from the first drops.
Use the pipette to extract urine from the cup, then push the urine out into the test tube. Make sure the entire tube is filled. Seal it carefully.
Place the sticker with your unique test-ID onto the tube. Place the test tube inside the transport tube and seal.
Place the tubes in the enclosed envelope. Send it the same day (preferably a Monday).
Karl Schmidt –
Used this test because of my unexplained fatigue. Found out I have low iodine levels. The test was straightforward and I got the results quickly.
Giorgia Bianchi –
Took this test. Iodine levels were normal. Quick and easy.
Yara Almeida –
I took this test because I was having issues with my skin and hair. Turns out, my iodine levels are low. I’m glad I took this test. Now I can make necessary changes in my lifestyle
Robert –
With a professional background in health sciences, I understand the multifaceted roles of minerals like iodine. Wanting a personal insight, I turned to the Iodine Test. The process was streamlined and efficient. The resultant report was not just about numbers; it was an educational deep dive into iodine’s roles and importance. Guided by the findings, I’ve tweaked my dietary habits, focusing on iodine adequacy. The boost in my energy and cognitive clarity can be attributed to these informed changes. A must-try for those committed to health. 🙂 Very impressed! 🙂
Rafael Gomez –
As someone with a family history of thyroid issues, understanding components influencing thyroid health became pivotal for me. Among these, iodine stood out due to its direct influence on thyroid hormones. Opting for the Iodine Test seemed like a logical next step. 🙂 From start to finish, the entire testing process was a testament to professionalism and accuracy. The instructions were detailed, and the kit itself exuded quality. But it was the results that genuinely stood out. Beyond merely presenting numbers, the detailed report offered a holistic view of iodine’s significance in the body. 🙂 With the insights from the test, I’ve incorporated specific supplements and adjusted my diet. The fact that I now feel more energetic and balanced is undeniably linked to these changes, driven by the test’s findings. For those keen on optimal health, this test is invaluable. :)!!
Lucia Dupont –
Decided to use this test after reading about the role of iodine in the body. The whole process was pretty simple and results came back quickly. My iodine levels are a bit low, so now I can adjust my diet accordingly.
Xiaoli Wang –
I’ve been feeling sluggish and someone suggested checking my iodine levels. Took this test and turns out they were right. Now I know what to work on. 🙂
Eliana –
I’ve been feeling quite tired lately, so decided to give this test a go. It was really straightforward to use and got the results back quickly. My iodine levels were lower than I expected, which could be causing my tiredness. Now that I know, I can start taking steps to improve my iodine intake and hopefully start feeling a bit more energised. I’m glad I took this test.
Elise –
For years, I’ve been reading about the paramount importance of iodine in supporting thyroid function and overall metabolic health. Given that its deficiency can result in various health complications, it became crucial for me to understand my iodine levels, and this is where the Iodine Test entered the picture. The kit arrived much sooner than expected, with everything neatly organized and instructions that were easy to understand. The sampling procedure was uncomplicated, and sending it back for analysis was equally smooth. When the results finally graced my email, the depth of the report was commendable. Not only did it reveal my iodine levels, but it also provided substantial information on the significance of iodine and its myriad roles in the body. Armed with this newfound knowledge, I’ve since made informed dietary choices, integrating iodine-rich foods like seaweed and fish into my meals. I must admit, the difference in my energy levels and overall wellbeing has been palpable. This test was an insightful journey into a crucial aspect of health that many of us often overlook.
Hannah –
Navigating the complex world of nutrition, iodine emerged as a nutrient of interest, primarily due to its role in thyroid health. The Iodine Test was my gateway to understanding more. From the moment the kit arrived, every step was designed for user convenience. The results, presented meticulously, didn’t just shed light on my iodine status but also delved into its importance in the body. With the insights garnered, I’ve revamped my diet, emphasizing iodine-rich foods, and the benefits are evident in my enhanced mood and vitality. This test is truly an enlightening experience. 🙂 🙂