Iodine is an essential mineral for mammalian life and is primarily obtained from the consumption of seafood (bread production no longer utilises iodine fortified flour and only if sea salt is used in cooking will this contain iodine). Iodine is utilised in thyroxin and is therefore essential for normal thyroid function, but is also required for foetal brain development and is associated with improved immunity and risk reduction for some cancers.
A reduced intake of iodine in the diet of industrialised nations has resulted in widespread deficiencies in Western populations (estimated at >50% population).
Excess dietary intake of iodine is excreted in the urine, therefore assessment of urine levels is a reliable way of determining iodine status
Test ID: IOU
Turnaround time: 6 days (temporarily increased to up to 11-days due to analyser issue at referral laboratory – last updated 7/7/2026)
Datasheet: iodine.pdf
Sample collection instructions: Urine iodine sample collection instructions
Sample report: Urine Iodine sample report
Sample Requirements: 30mL Urine
Sample Stability: Sample is suitable for postal return