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Head-to-head evidence comparison — which supplement is right for you?
Iron wins 2 of 3 categories. Both are solid choices — the best pick depends on your specific goals.
Verdict
Likely helps
8 of 9 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
Verdict
Probably helps
9 of 13 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
600-1200mg extract daily
Before meals (especially fatty meals), Divided doses
Standardized leaf extract (2.5-5% cynarin)
18-45mg elemental iron for deficiency (varies by severity)
On empty stomach if tolerated, Away from tea, coffee, dairy
Ferrous bisglycinate (gentle, well-absorbed) or iron protein succinylate
2-4 weeks
8-12 weeks
4-8 weeks
2-4 weeks
4-8 weeks
4-12 weeks
Lipid-lowering activity of artichoke extracts: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Critical reviews in food science and nutrition (2018) · Meta analysis · n=702
Quantitative data synthesis was performed using a random-effects model, with weighed mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) as summary statistics.
Functional and Therapeutic Potential of Cynara scolymus in Health Benefits
Nutrients (2024) · Systematic review
This reduces the subsequent risk of developing conditions such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.
The role of selected nutraceuticals in management of prediabetes and diabetes: An updated review of the literature. Part II
Phytotherapy research : PTR (2024) · Systematic review
Further studies are also required for Cinnamomum, Cynara scolymus, Momordica charantia, Olea europaea, and Opuntia streptacantha.
Daily oral iron supplementation during pregnancy
The Cochrane database of systematic reviews (2024) · Meta analysis · n=48971
There is probably little to no difference in maternal death (2 versus 4 events, RR 0.57, 95% CI 0.12 to 2.69; 3 trials, 14,060 women; moderate-certainty evidence).
The Prevalence of Anemia among Pregnant Women in China: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Nutrients (2024) · Meta analysis · n=722
The results showed that the prevalence of anemia, ID, and IDA among pregnant women in China were 30.7% (95% CI: 26.6%, 34.7%), 45.6% (95% CI: 37.0%, 54.2%), and 17.3% (95% CI: 13.9%, 20.7%), respectively.
Treatment for women with postpartum iron deficiency anaemia
The Cochrane database of systematic reviews (2024) · Meta analysis · n=572
Intravenous iron versus oral iron supplementation The evidence is very uncertain about the effect of intravenous iron on mortality (risk ratio (RR) 2.95, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.12 to 71.96; P = 0.51; I² = not applicable; 3 RCTs; 1 event; 572 women; very low-certainty evidence).
Based on meta-analysis of 702 subjects showing 17.6 mg/dL reduction in total cholesterol. Effect size is modest and may require 6+ weeks to manifest. Limited to artichoke leaf extract studies.
Based on meta-analyses showing hemoglobin improvements of 2.01-5.30 g/dL in iron deficient populations. Higher doses show diminishing returns with increased GI side effects. Effectiveness varies significantly by baseline iron status and form used.
AI-estimated from published studies. Interpret as directional guidance.
Iron has a higher evidence score (9/10 vs 8.5/10) and wins in 2 of 3 categories.
No known interactions between Artichoke Extract and Iron have been documented in our database. However, always consult a healthcare provider before combining supplements.