24-hours Iodine and Bromine analysis
Unique analysis that measures the 24-hour iodine uptake
and the current iodine value in the body.
24-hours Iodine and Bromine analysis
The standard 24-hour iodine test gives a good picture of the iodine status of the body but does not say anything about the actual intake of iodine in the body cells. This intake depends on the functioning of the iodine transport system. When this system malfunctions, and that can have various causes, the effect of iodine supplementation will be limited. To be sure that any iodine supplementation according to the standard iodine protocol makes sense, it is important to know whether the iodine transport system is functioning properly. The addition of the ‘spot’ test to the 24-hour challenge test shows the normal level of excretion of Iodide, Bromide, and /or Fluoride, Chlorine) and the (extra) excretion as a result of the intake of the high dosage of iodine.
POOR IODINE TRANSPORT FUNCTION RESULTS IN IODINE DEFICIENCY IN THYROID GLAND BUT NOT BLOOD
Why a spot measurement and a 24-hour determination
The composition of the blood is as a rule not a reliable indicator for the availability of vitamins and minerals in the body tissues / cells. Even a single iodine assay in a urine sample does not give a reliable picture of the iodine status of the body. Although the situation of most minerals can be inferred from the hair (HMA), this does not apply to iodine.
However, there is a secondary indicator in the form of the Calcium / Potassium ratio in the hair, also known as the ‘thyroid gland ratio’. A deviating Ca / K ratio may be an additional reason to investigate the iodine status of the body.
The 24-hour Iodine Test was developed to determine whether the body contains enough iodine. This test is based on research showing that once all tissues of the body are saturated, extra iodine is excreted in the urine. However, there is a problem when a client shows symptoms of iodine deficiency, but the 24-hour load still shows a good iodine status. In many cases, this is caused by the presence of other halogens and chemicals (goitrogens) in the body that block iodine absorption into the cell, artificially increasing iodine excretion. Examples are Bromide, Chloride and Fluoride which can also be measured in the 24-hour urine sample.
A good way to determine the presence of a “symporter defect” is to compare the “spot” iodine results with the 24 hour results. If after the 24 hour test a very high excretion is found (> 90% of the iodine load of 50 mg) but a very low value is determined in the “spot” test, you can conclude that the iodine absorbs from the intestine but cannot penetrate into the cells.
BROMIDE, CHLORIDE AND FLUORIDE INHIBIT IODINE UPTAKE
A faulty transporter function
Iodine belongs to the group of elements that we call the ‘halogens‘. When an excess of bromine, fluorine or chlorine compounds (‘toxic halogens’) is present in the body, this can give a false-positive result. It seems that the body has a better iodine status than is actually the case. That is because the toxic halogens enter into a kind of competition with iodine and can also occupy iodine receptors, in addition to blocking the iodine uptake in the cells, just like heavy metals.
Thyrocytes (cells of the thyroid gland), the sodium/iodide symporter (NIS) are located in the basolateral membrane. The peripheral iodide enters the thyrocyte through the symporter in the basement membrane, and passes the thyrocyte as iodide to exit the thyrocyte via the apical membrane transporter just before oxidation and organification. In the case of the symporter, iodide must bind to a specific molecule called the halide symporter binding site, prior to cellular uptake. Goitrogens compete for these binding sites which can lead to goiter due to induced iodine deficiency. Goitrogens such as fluoride and perchlorate bind to the same site as iodine without being transported into the cell. They are therefore considered as iodine transport inhibitors. Bromide and thiocyanate also attach to this binding site, but in addition they are transported into the cell, preventing oxidation and ‘organification’ (the conversion of inorganic iodine to organically available iodide). As a result, iodine is not active at the cellular level.
DOWNLOAD REPORT EXAMPLE OF THE 24 HOUR IODINE ANALYSIS
Simple Tests – Comprehensive Interpretation
The iodine spot test is performed before starting iodine supplementation for the 24 hour test. The spot test is used to determine the presence or absence of severe iodine deficiency. This test is a good indicator of dietary iodine intake.
A 24-hour urine iodine test is used to determine the body’s need for iodine. This test is based on the concept that the human body retains the absorbed iodine until the need of the whole body is met. In this test, 1 tablet of 50 mg iodine/iodide is taken prior to urine collection for 24 hours. The amount of iodine excreted (in iodide form) is a measure of the iodine status of the body. The more iodine is excreted, the better the iodine status. If the determination is carried out in children, it is not advisable to work with 50 mg iodide. Then contact us to make agreements about a lower dosage.
In many cases we have effective intervention methods to reactivate thyroid function.
Order the 24 hour Iodine – Bromine Analysis easily
The 24-hour Iodine and Bromine analysis can be ordered by therapists who, when registered with us, can order this analysis via our webshop. You will receive a detailed report within 2 weeks of receipt of the samples.
The 24-hour Iodine and Bromine analysis can also be ordered by consumers who are actively concerned with their health and vitality and are not being treated by a therapist. The report is written in a simple language. The report contains a preliminary intervention advice; after all, we don’t know your background. Our therapists can of course do this if they have more information about you.
[1]Goitrogens are naturally occurring phytonutrients. They are mainly present in soy products and raw cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage and Brussels sprouts. Goitrogens can in excess damage the thyroid function. Raw cruciferous vegetables have the disadvantage of the thyroid gland that they reduce the intake of iodine. Source: NCBI