Thyroid Vitamin & Nutrient Deficiency Test

Thyroid Disorder Nutrient Deficiency Test Panel

Thyroid disorders, such as hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s, may make it difficult for your body to get the nutrients it needs. Measure the levels of 5 nutrients in your blood that research has shown can be affected by thyroid disorders. Read more

Test details

Sample type:

Blood

Preparation:

Fasting (not eating or drinking anything except water) for 10-12 hours is required. If you are taking supplements or medications, check with your healthcare provider to see whether you should take them before the test. Avoiding supplements containing the nutrients being tested for 24 hours prior to collection is preferred. Note: supplements containing selenium must be avoided 3 days prior to collection.

Test type: In Person

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$149.00

+ $6.00 Physician Service Fee

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About the Test

The Thyroid Disorder Nutrient Deficiency Panel measures the levels of the following 5 nutrients in your blood: vitamin D, iodine, ferritin, iron, and selenium.

Identifying and addressing nutrient deficiencies are important steps toward better health. Your body does not produce most vitamins and minerals, so you must get them from food or supplements. How nutrients work in your body is influenced by more than just what you eat. These factors include genetics, age, health conditions, medications, metabolism, and how well your body absorbs nutrients.

Thyroid disorders, such as hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s, may make it difficult to get the nutrients your body needs. Having these nutrients tested helps you and your doctor decide if you need to supplement them with additional vitamins or minerals.

This test may be right for you if you have thyroid disorder, such as hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s, and are concerned about not getting certain nutrients or are experiencing symptoms that suggest a nutrient deficiency.

This test panel gives you and your healthcare provider information about whether you are deficient in vitamin D, iodine, ferritin, iron, and selenium.

This test panel measures the level of 5 nutrients in your blood: vitamin D, iodine, ferritin, iron, and selenium.

The Vitamin D test measures the amount of 25-OH vitamin D in your blood, an indicator of the level of vitamin D in your body. Vitamin D is an essential fat-soluble vitamin that is necessary for the proper functioning of your heart, blood vessels, insulin, and mood. Vitamin D also helps regulate calcium and phosphorus. These are essential nutrients for strong bones and healthy cells. Vitamin D can also help the immune system fight infections. Not having enough vitamin D can lead to bone pain, muscle weakness, or depression.

The Iodine Test measures the amount of iodine in your blood. Iodine is a trace mineral that is essential for making thyroid hormones (T3 and T4). These hormones drive many bodily functions, such as regulating metabolism, growth, and development, and turning food into energy. The thyroid can't produce the proper level of hormones without enough iodine. While deficiencies are rare in the United States, those deficient in iodine may develop an enlarged thyroid (goiter), reduced immunity, fatigue, dry skin, hair loss, weight gain, coldness, or a slowed heart rate.

The Ferritin Test measures the amount of ferritin in your blood. Ferritin is a protein in the blood that contains iron and helps you understand how much iron your body is storing. Blood levels of ferritin correlate to the body's iron status. Abnormal (too high or too low) levels of iron may lead to weakness and fatigue. Left unchecked, abnormal iron levels may lead to certain health issues (e.g., anemia, hemochromatosis).

The Iron Test measures the amount of iron in your blood. Iron is an essential micronutrient that the body needs to make healthy red blood cells. It is also a key component of proteins, such as: hemoglobin (the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen), myoglobin (the protein in muscle that binds to oxygen), and enzymes. Iron is needed for proper growth and development. When abnormal iron levels are left untreated, they may lead to serious blood disorders or other health conditions.

The Selenium Test measures the level of selenium in your blood. Selenium is an essential trace mineral, needed in small amounts, that make up enzymes and proteins in your body called selenoproteins. Selenium helps to build DNA and protect cells against infection and damage, as well as making and breaking down thyroid hormones. Too little selenium may cause more frequent illness, hair loss, heart problems, thyroid issues, mental fogs, infertility in men and women, and muscle weakness.

You must be 18 years of age or older to purchase a test on questhealth.com. Purchases not permitted in: AK, AZ, HI.

Note: supplements containing selenium must be avoided 3 days prior to collection.

After you provide your specimen, it generally takes up to 8 business days to process and release your test results. However, processing times may vary. Your test results will be available in a clear and easy-to-read report. Independent physicians are available to discuss questions or concerns you may have regarding your results.

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Your thyroid relies on nutrients like iodine, iron, selenium, and vitamin D to function properly. A lack of certain nutrients can cause thyroid disorders. But there’s a twist. Thyroid disorders can also cause nutrient deficiencies, creating a challenging cycle where thyroid disorders and nutrient deficiencies feed into—and potentially worsen—each other.

FAQs

Will everyone who has a thyroid disorder be nutrient deficient?

No. Absorption rates of nutrients vary from person to person. It's important to get tested so you know which nutrients you're not getting enough of. Then, you can talk with your doctor about what supplements, if any, to take.

Would taking supplements be helpful if I have a thyroid disorder?

If your body is not absorbing certain nutrients properly, your doctor may suggest you consider taking a supplement for that nutrient.

While it is unlikely to get too much of a nutrient if you are taking a supplement, getting too much, known as toxicity, is possible. It's recommended to confirm a deficiency through testing and talk with your doctor prior to taking supplements.

What’s the difference between water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins?

Water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins differ in how they are absorbed by the human body.

A water-soluble vitamin dissolves in water and is easily absorbed by the body. Your body does not store these vitamins for long, so any extra will be eliminated in your urine. Because of this, it's important to consume them every day.

A fat-soluble vitamin dissolves in fats and oils and is absorbed with the fats you eat. Your body stores any extra in your liver or fatty tissues. Because of this, you don't need to consume them every day.

What are enzymes and coenzymes?

An enzyme is a protein that helps to start, or speed up, a reaction in the body. A coenzyme is a non-protein molecule that helps an enzyme to perform that reaction.

Can I use my FSA or HSA funds to purchase tests on questhealth.com?

You may be able to use your FSA or HSA funds to purchase lab tests at questhealth.com. Please review your FSA/HSA plan or check with a tax professional to confirm specific requirements for individual eligibility.

Our references

1Triggiani V, Tafaro E, Giagulli VA, et al. Role of iodine, selenium and other micronutrients in thyroid function and disorders. Endocrine, Metabolic & Immune Disorders - Drug Targets. 9(3):277-294. Accessed April 14, 2022. https://www.eurekaselect.com/article/29804
Liontiris MI, Mazokopakis EE. A concise review of Hashimoto thyroiditis (Ht) and the importance of iodine, selenium, vitamin D and gluten on the autoimmunity and dietary management of HT patients. Points that need more investigation. Hell J Nucl Med. 2017;20(1):51-56. doi:10.1967/s002449910507
Rayman MP. Multiple nutritional factors and thyroid disease, with particular reference to autoimmune thyroid disease. Proceedings of the Nutrition Society. 2019;78(1):34-44. doi:10.1017/S0029665118001192

Tests purchased on questhealth.com are only for individuals who intend to pay directly for testing and do not want to submit a claim for reimbursement under their health insurance.

Thyroid Disorder Nutrient Deficiency Test Panel