Iodine Urine Test

Only for Germany and Austria

• We would like to point out that these tests and the shipping processes are optimized for Germany and Austria and are prepaid.
• Samples must be delivered to the German laboratory within 4 days. This cannot be guaranteed for samples shipped from other countries!
• Orders from countries other than Germany and Austria are therefore at your own risk. In this case, we only accept the payment method "Prepayment (directly to us)", as customers cannot then cancel the purchase, e.g., because the sample arrived at the laboratory unusable through their own fault. Purchases made with any other payment methods that customers could unlawfully reverse will be immediately canceled and refunded.
• You can find more information about this from the manufacturer!

Measuring iodine levels in urine to diagnose iodine deficiency

Iodide – what exactly is it?

Iodine, a trace element, occurs naturally only in bound form as iodide, for example in seawater, in certain mineral springs and in high concentrations in sea fish, seafood, seaweed, sponges and corals. Germany is one of the regions in Europe with low iodine levels. It occurs only in very small quantities in our soil, arable land and pasture, as well as in our drinking water, which is why the country was previously classified as an area with iodine deficiency. The goitre, clearly visible in many people of that era, was a sign of this deficiency.

Its importance for our bodies

If the body is not supplied with enough iodine, it is unable to produce the necessary amount of thyroid hormones. This stimulates the thyroid tissue to grow more rapidly, leading to a significant enlargement of the thyroid gland – with or without nodules. This condition is also known as goitre. Younger people can reverse this change. In older people, however, iodine treatment usually only serves to curb the growth of thyroid tissue.

It is therefore necessary to regularly consume iodides through the diet and for the body to convert them into elemental iodine. Iodides enter the bloodstream passively via the gastrointestinal tract and are actively transported into the thyroid gland. Up to 80 per cent of the iodine consumed daily is utilised by the thyroid gland.

Important at every stage of life

Iodine is essential at every stage of life and necessary for survival. An optimal iodine intake during pregnancy is crucial, as both the mother’s thyroid gland and that of the developing child must be adequately supplied with iodine. If the child’s iodine intake is insufficient, this poses a risk to the development of the nervous system and the brain.

Pathological changes or disorders of the thyroid gland can occur at any age as a result of iodine deficiency. One in three Germans up to the age of 45 is affected; after that, the figure rises to one in two. Women and men are affected with roughly equal frequency. As the symptoms initially develop gradually and are barely noticeable, they are often not recognised until at a late stage. By the time the symptoms become more pronounced, a marked case of hypothyroidism is usually already present. To prevent a deficiency, it is important to regularly consume iodine-rich foods such as sea fish and seafood. Iodised table salt can also be a useful supplement.

Diagnosis

A simple urine test can provide reliable information about the level of iodide in the urine. The results form the basis for a personalised treatment plan, which should only be undertaken after consultation with a doctor or therapist.

The test kit includes:

• 1 set of instructions for sample collection
• 1 urine collection cup
• 1 yellow urine tube (Urine Monovette)
• 1 yellow tip
• 1 shipping container for the Urine Monovette
• 1 dispatch envelope

How does the ordering process work?

Once you have placed your order, the test kit you have chosen will be sent to you along with detailed instructions. You place your sample in a sample tube, send it in the provided envelope to Mediveres’ partner laboratory, GANZIMMUN Diagnostics GmbH, and will receive your results, including an assessment of your profile, within 5–7 days.