Test for Iodine Deficiency

The body functions properly due to a set of complex reactions which takes place every second. Every part of the body, takes part in the day-to-day activities. Of these organs, the thyroid gland is one of the most important. The thyroid gland produces hormones called the thyroid hormone, and this hormone is produced in sufficient quantities only if there is enough iodine content in the body. Whenever there is deficit of iodine in the body the condition is called hypothyroidism, wherein the thyroid glands may enlarge and can cause goiter. Today, a large number of people are found to be deficient in iodine, which in turn may cause sudden hot flashes, increased body temperature, sleeplessness, agitation, weight loss and heart racing. If you get one of these symptoms, it's always better to test for iodine deficiency disorders. Iodine deficiency test is a simple procedure and does not take much time.

How to Test for Iodine Deficiency

Research has found that if the body suffers from iodine deficiency, it may lead to mental retardation and is believed to be one of the major problem with children. The only way to get rid of conditions like hot flashes and mental retardation, is to consume foods rich in iodine. You may also feel tired very soon, besides your body may pain if there is insufficient amount of iodine in the body.

Home test for iodine deficiency includes taking some iodine and a swab of cotton. You can find tincture iodine in a drugstore. Dip the cotton swab in the tincture iodine and paint a circle in the inner part of your upper arm or the thighs. Once you have done with that, wait for an hour. After an hour if you find that the circle has disappeared, it means that your body is deficient in iodine. However, on the other hand, if the circle remains as it is for at least four hours, it means that the iodine levels are fine. This is one of the easiest self test which you can use, but if you are still not sure, you can get a iodine deficiency test done in a laboratory.

If you go for a test in a laboratory, they would take a sample of your urine, and this sample is usually taken early in the morning. After the sample is taken, you will be given a iodine tablet which would be of a particular dose. After a few minutes your urine sample would again be taken and it's at this point of time that your urine is tested. If the iodine levels are normal, them most of the iodine which was ingested through the tablet, would be excreted. On the other hand, if your body lacks iodine, then it would be retained in the body.

Usually if the doctor finds something abnormal with the thyroid glands, then he would suggest you get a test of these glands done. No doubt they don't measure the levels of iodine in the body, but it can give the doctor a good idea of thyroid problems.

Blood Test for Iodine Deficiency

Besides urine test, blood tests are also done to see whether the iodine levels in the body are sufficient or not. Blood tests are done to check the levels of thyroid hormones in the blood. If the amount of thyroid hormones are low it means that the body is not being able to produce enough of this hormone due to the lack of iodine or due to malfunction of thyroid gland.

So, there are a number of ways to test for iodine deficiency. Whether you test it at home, or in a laboratory, get in touch with a doctor to know the reasons behind such deficiency and the kinds of iodine rich foods which you should take to rejuvenate the levels of iodine in the body. Nowadays, certain amount of iodine is added to the salt to take care of this problem.