Is there a permanent cure for my iodine deficiency?

Question

Hello doctor,

I changed my diet and exercise habits about two months ago and started working out a lot and eating less. After about a month, I started getting terrible leg cramps at night, and then about three weeks later, I started feeling exhausted, and my throat started hurting. Now my voice is hoarse every day. So, I got blood tests done, and they showed low iodine (47 mcg), but my TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone), T3, T4, and thyroid antibodies were normal. When I took the blood tests, I had been fasting for 12 hours when I took the blood tests. However, I take Biotin (multivitamins) 30 mcg daily. Could that have affected my blood tests? Also, for iodine deficiency like this, can I fix this by taking iodine supplements? Or is this hypothyroidism, and is it permanent? Would I have to take thyroid medicines for the rest of my life? Can I reverse this with better nutrition and iodine supplements?

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Firstly our blood tests regarding thyroid function are standard. You do not have a thyroid problem. Biotin 30 mcg does not affect blood tests. However, Biotin of 2000 mcg or more affects blood test results. Based on a blood test, we do not know if you have an iodine deficiency. A blood iodine level is never done. A 24-hour urine iodine can be checked for specific conditions and to check how much iodine you are getting in your diet on average. However, it does not reflect your total body iodine content. So do not worry that you have an iodine deficiency. I suggest you check Vitamin D; replacing it will help if it is low. Taking magnesium, calcium, Vitamin D, and K2 (menaquinone) supplement will help with your cramps.

Is there a permanent cure for my iodine deficiency?

Ask your health query to a doctor online

Company

Customer Care

Get iCliniq