Iodine Load Test (potassium iodide provocation test)

Beschrijving

What it measures

After ingesting a single dose of potassium iodide, the patient collects all urine over 24 hours.

In theory:

• A well-saturated body excretes ~90% or more of the iodine dose.
• A body that is deficient retains more iodine, and therefore excretes less.

Why it matters

• Designed to evaluate whole-body iodine sufficiency, not just short-term dietary intake.
• Popular in functional and integrative medicine for patients with chronic fatigue, fibrocystic breast disease, thyroid disorders, or low energy.

Clinical applications

• Suspected chronic iodine deficiency despite normal urine spot/24h values.
• Monitoring iodine replenishment protocols.
• Patients with persistent thyroid symptoms despite “normal” thyroid hormone levels.

Practical details

• Test requires strict adherence to 24-hour urine collection.
• Capsule of 50 mg potassium iodide should be taken at the start of the collection (WHL provides a standardized capsule to ensure accuracy).
• Urine is analyzed for iodine excretion to determine iodine retention.

Limitations and controversies

• The loading test is debated in conventional endocrinology. Some argue it may overestimate deficiency and is not standardized worldwide.
• Should be interpreted in context with thyroid hormones (TSH, free T4, free T3), thyroid antibodies, and clinical symptoms.

• Sample requirement: 24 Hours Urine (after iodine administration)

Suitable for postal submission.