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Head-to-head evidence comparison — which supplement is right for you?
Black Cohosh and Iodine are closely matched across evidence, studies, and safety.
Verdict
Likely helps
7 of 10 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
Verdict
Mixed evidence
4 of 12 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
Shared outcomes (1)
Outcomes where both Black Cohosh and Iodine have evidence — compare verdict strength side-by-side.
20-40mg standardized extract (1mg triterpene glycosides)
Morning and evening, With or without food
Standardized extract (2.5% triterpene glycosides)
150-300mcg for maintenance; higher only if deficient under supervision
Any time with food
Potassium iodide (most common and studied)
4-8 weeks
4-8 weeks
4-8 weeks
4-12 weeks
4-8 weeks
Black cohosh extracts in women with menopausal symptoms: an updated pairwise meta-analysis
Menopause (New York, N.Y.) (2023) · Meta analysis · n=2310
However, black cohosh did not significantly improve anxiety (Hedges' g = 0.194, 95% CI = -0.296 to 0.684, P = 0.438) or depressive symptoms (Hedges' g = 0.406, 95% CI = -0.121 to 0.932, P = 0.131).
Modulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis by plants and phytonutrients: a systematic review of human trials
Nutritional neuroscience (2022) · Systematic review
For most phytonutrients, the effects of supplementation on HPA-axis activity in humans is unclear.
Review & meta-analysis: isopropanolic black cohosh extract iCR for menopausal symptoms - an update on the evidence
Climacteric : the journal of the International Menopause Society (2021) · Meta analysis · n=43759
Effect sizes were larger when higher dosages of iCR as monotherapy or in combination with St.
Maternal Iodine Status and Birth Outcomes: A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis
Nutrients (2023) · Meta analysis · n=42269
Birth weight was similar between UIC ≥ 150 μg/L and <150 μg/L (difference = 30 g, 95% CI −22 to 83, p = 0.3, n = 13, I2 = 89%) with no evidence of linear trend (4 g per 50 μg/L, −3 to 10, p = 0.2, n = 12, I2 = 80%).
Iodine fortification of foods and condiments, other than salt, for preventing iodine deficiency disorders
The Cochrane database of systematic reviews (2019) · Meta analysis · n=4317
This is equivalent to an increase of 38.32 µg/L (95% CI 24.03 to 52.61 µg/L).
Systematic review and meta-analysis of iodine nutrition in modern vegan and vegetarian diets
The British journal of nutrition (2023) · Meta analysis · n=4421
Vegan diets had the poorest iodine intake (17·3 µg/d) and were strongly associated with lower iodine intake (P = < 0·001) compared with omnivorous diets.
Based on multiple meta-analyses showing modest improvement in hot flashes. Isopropanolic extracts (iCR) showed most consistent effects. Effect sizes were larger at higher dosages but evidence shows only moderate benefit overall.
Based on meta-analyses showing urinary iodine concentration increases with supplementation. Effects only meaningful in iodine-deficient populations. Excessive intake (>300mcg) may increase thyroid cancer risk. Most studies used potassium iodide; kelp-derived forms have variable bioavailability.
AI-estimated from published studies. Interpret as directional guidance.
Both Black Cohosh and Iodine are closely matched — the best choice depends on your specific health goals.
For testosterone & cortisol balance, Iodine has a higher relevance score (85 vs 35).
No known interactions between Black Cohosh and Iodine have been documented in our database. However, always consult a healthcare provider before combining supplements.