Hormone Health Hub: Expert Insights on Testing, Balance & Better Living — micronutrient testing

Urine, serum, plasma, whole blood, red blood cells, feces, hair, fingernails—the list of biological samples used for element testing is long. But choosing the right sample type is one of the most critical decisions in producing results that are clinically meaningful and scientifically valid.

Most people associate iodine exclusively with thyroid health — but this essential mineral plays a far broader role in the body. From breast tissue and ovarian function to fetal brain development and endometrial health, iodine is active in virtually every organ system. Deficiency is more widespread than commonly recognised, and standard thyroid blood tests cannot reliably detect it. This guide explores the extrathyroidal roles of iodine, the difference between iodide and molecular iodine, the controversy around dosing, and why testing urinary iodine is the most accurate way to assess your status.