Description:

The Urine Pre or Post Loading test is designed to measure concentrations of iodine and determine thyroid gland function. 

Iodine/Iodide is an essential element that is pivotal to normal function of the thyroid gland and the health and integrity of breast tissue. Iodine/Iodide intake has decreased significantly over the past thirty years and consequentially clinical symptoms have become apparent. Iodine/Iodide sufficiency can be readily assessed by analysis of urinary iodide excretion.

Specific tissues in the body utilize iodide and iodine. Adequate iodine status is essential for the production of normal levels of thyroid hormones and the integrity of thyroid and mammary glands. Iodide, the reduced form of iodine, is highly concentrated in the thyroid gland where it is incorporated into thyroid hormones. Thyroid hormones regulate growth and metabolic rate, body heat and energy production, and neuronal and sexual development. Iodine is concentrated in the breasts where it is associated with protection against fibrocystic breast disease and cancer. Sub-clinical iodine/iodide deficiency has been associated with impaired mental function and loss of energy due to hypothyroidism.    

Traditionally, the level of urinary iodine from a twenty-four hour collection has been utilized to assess iodine intake. Alternatively, in situations where patient compliance is difficult, a random urine collection, preferably the first morning void, provides indication of iodine intake when expressed per mg creatinine. The urinary iodine value presented on both report formats represents iodine plus iodide oxidized to iodine. Patient results are plotted against reference values. Normative values for urinary iodine have been evaluated in large population studies in the US over the past thirty-five years.

In more recent times a “24-hour iodine/iodide load test” has become a useful analysis for practitioners. A specified oral dose of iodine/iodide is given and urine is collected for the subsequent twenty-four hours. The report allows the practitioner to obtain individualized results based upon any oral dosage deemed appropriate for a given patient. The test is based on the concept that the body has specific and saturable mechanisms to take up iodine/iodide. When maximal retention is attained, the percentage of an iodine/iodide load that is retained decreases and the percentage urinary excretion increases. The percentage excretion is calculated by dividing the patient’s mg/24-hour iodine results by the oral iodine/iodide dosage (mg) provided on the requisition form by the practitioner, and then multiplied by 100.   The iodine excretion value represents iodine plus iodide oxidized to iodine. The load test requires a complete twenty-four hour urine collection.

Dosing:

24 hour Urine will measure the level of the patient’s excretion as compared to the U.S. population
Urine Iodine (or Halides) pre/post loading dose will provide an estimate of the patient’s percent saturation with Iodine and does require a bolus 50 mg loading dose of Iodoral or equivalent.
Large doses of Iodine are contraindicated in hyperthyroid patients
For best results, the patient should discontinue their Iodine supplements for a week, along with any other potential sources of iodine, such as multivitamins, sea vegetables, etc.

Dose
The test was developed and calibrated using Lugol’s Iodoral tablets (the 12.5 mg Iodoral® tablet is a precisely quantified tablet form containing 5 mg iodine and 7.5 mg iodide as the potassium salt.)  it is also available as a 50 mg tablet for convenience.  This, or an equivalent formulation, is recommended for test purposes, to ensure accuracy of dosing and results; dosing by liquid drops is not recommended as there is no way to ensure drop size (dosing accuracy).
The process would be the same if you choose to do Halides pre/post instead.
Give selenium (selenomethionine 2-400 mcgs qd) prior to test
Decreases ROS stress (peroxides may damage thyroid tissue)
Selenium should be given with Iodine Rx to decrease oxidative stress in the thyroid tissues.

Overview

Tests for:

Iodine concentration and thyroid gland function

Symptoms and conditions:

• Memory Problems
• Depression
• Trouble Thinking Clearly
• Swelling of Tongue
• Sleepiness
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Dry Skin and Brittle Nails
• Dry Cracked Heels
• Muscle Weakness
• Loss of Sex Drive
• Heat Intolerance
• Excessive Hair Loss
• Thinning Eyebrows
• Hoarse voice
• Constipation
• Easily Startled
• Insomnia
• Irregular or Heavy Menstrual Periods
• Muscle Cramps
• Weight Gain
• Inability to tolerate cold
• Inability to tolerate heat
• Snoring

Practical