How Do You Know If You're Iodine Deficient On A Hair Test?

Ever wonder why iodine, or rather any halogen, isn't tested on a Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA)?

Well, halogens are gases. In their pure form, they usually come as pairs of atoms stuck together—like F₂ or Cl₂.
Here's what they look like in everyday conditions:
Fluorine – a pale yellow gas

Chlorine – a greenish-yellow gas (used in swimming pools)

Bromine – a dark red liquid (the only one that's a liquid at room temperature)

Iodine – a dark gray solid that gives off purple vapor when heated

Astatine – a very rare, radioactive solid that scientists haven't studied much

When halogens are part of compounds (combined with other elements), they usually form salts or things like table salt (which has chlorine in it).
Now HTMA does not test gas, it analyzes the accumulated elements we find in hair, which we can physically touch, similar to rocks, hence why it is difficult to test for halogens, like iodine, and make a proper assessment when looking at someone's mineral patterns.

That being said, it does not completely mean we cannot see patterns in which can help us understand potential deficiency or need of extra iodine.

The Importance of Iodine

Iodine is an essential nutrient that the body needs to make thyroid hormones, which are crucial for regulating metabolism, growth, and development. These hormones affect nearly every part of the body, including the heart, brain, and muscles. Without enough iodine, the thyroid gland can become enlarged, leading to a condition called goiter.

Aside from supporting thyroid health, iodine also plays a key role in the proper development of the brain and nervous system, especially during pregnancy and early childhood. It supports cognitive function, helping with memory, attention, and learning.

Iodine also contributes to a healthy immune system by supporting the body's natural defenses against infections. Some research suggests that it may have antioxidant properties, helping protect cells from damage. Additionally, iodine is important for maintaining healthy skin and may assist in wound healing and preventing bacterial infections when used topically.

Identifying Iodine Deficiency through HTMA

Clearly, it's important. So now, how do we know if we need extra iodine according to an HTMA?

Here are the key markers to look if symptoms and HTMA patterns match up:
A calcium level of or more or equal to 50
A potassium level of less than or equal to 4
A copper level of less than or equal to 1.5
A copper level of more than or equal to 2.5
A selenium level of less than or equal to 0.08
A mercury level of more than or equal to 0.02
A lithium level of less than or equal to 0.004
A calcium to potassium ratio of more than or equal to 10.1

Symptoms of Iodine Deficiency

Iodine deficiency symptoms include as follows:
Goiter – An enlargement of the thyroid gland, visible as a swelling in the neck.

Fatigue – Feeling unusually tired or lethargic, as iodine deficiency can slow metabolism.

Weight Gain – Unexplained weight gain or difficulty losing weight, as the thyroid regulates metabolism.

Cold Sensitivity – Feeling cold more than usual, as the body struggles to regulate temperature.

Dry Skin and Hair – Skin may become dry, and hair may become brittle or thin.

Constipation – Slower metabolism can lead to digestive issues like constipation.

Mood Changes – Depression, anxiety, or irritability, as thyroid hormones impact mood regulation.

Cognitive Issues – Difficulty concentrating, memory problems, or slower thinking, especially in severe cases.

Slow Heart Rate – A noticeably slower pulse rate, as iodine affects heart function.
In severe cases, iodine deficiency can lead to developmental issues in children, intellectual disabilities, and even cretinism (a condition that affects growth and development). In pregnant women, it can increase the risk of miscarriage, preterm birth, or birth defects.

Conclusion

So, while we can't test being iodine deficient specifically on an HTMA, you can still have markers verified to see if you are in need or extra iodine or if you're iodine deficient with the markers above. Want to run a hair test with us? Click here! And if you know you're already ready to supplement iodine, check out our Upgraded Iodine here!