Iodine testing isn't always the best way to know if your iodine level is low.

The accuracy of iodine testing hasn't been confirmed to my satisfaction. Much as we like to have a piece of paper that gives definitive test results, sadly these results are often not reliable.

I find it works best to treat a person's symptoms, and see if that helps. I would treat for an iodine deficiency in people who have:

• Breast cysts or tenderness, or breast cancer. I consider these markers for iodine deficiency

• Chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia or unexplained fatigue

• Thyroid disease or thyroid cancer

• Low body temperature of under 98 degrees Fahrenheit

Although testing is a reasonable option, I'm not anxious to order a test that doesn't affect how I treat a person — and I think a good case can be made for treating everyone for three months who falls into one or more of the above four categories.