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Head-to-head evidence comparison — which supplement is right for you?
Cordyceps wins 2 of 3 categories. Both are solid choices — the best pick depends on your specific goals.
Verdict
Likely helps
9 of 9 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
Verdict
Likely helps
11 of 15 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
1000-3000mg
Morning or pre-workout
Cordyceps militaris extract (fruiting body)
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
1-4 weeks
2-4 weeks
2-4 weeks
4-8 weeks
4-12 weeks
Cordyceps sinensis (a traditional Chinese medicine) for treating chronic kidney disease
The Cochrane database of systematic reviews (2014) · Meta analysis · n=1746
We found that Cordyceps preparation, as an adjuvant therapy to conventional medicine, showed potential promise to decrease serum creatinine, increase creatine clearance, reduce proteinuria and alleviate CKD-associated complications, such as increased haemoglobin and serum albumin.
Adjuvant treatment with Cordyceps sinensis for lung cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Journal of ethnopharmacology (2024) · Meta analysis · n=928
Compared with conventional treatment, adjuvant treatment with CS of lung cancer not only improve TRR, QOL and immune function, but also reduce the incidence of ADRs and radiation pneumonitis.
Efficacy of Cordyceps sinensis as an adjunctive treatment in hemodialysis patients: a systematic review and Meta-analysis
Journal of traditional Chinese medicine = Chung i tsa chih ying wen pan (2019) · Meta analysis · n=655
However, there was no significant improvement for serum creatinine and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol.
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 multiple meta-analyses showing improvements in serum creatinine, creatinine clearance, and proteinuria in kidney disease patients. Effects were modest and primarily as adjuvant therapy. Study quality was noted as unclear in several reviews.
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.
Cordyceps has a higher evidence score (4.5/10 vs 9/10) and wins in 2 of 3 categories.
For boost daily energy, Iron has a higher relevance score (90 vs 70).
No known interactions between Cordyceps and Iron have been documented in our database. However, always consult a healthcare provider before combining supplements.