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Head-to-head evidence comparison — which supplement is right for you?
Cranberry Extract wins 2 of 3 categories. Both are solid choices — the best pick depends on your specific goals.
Verdict
Likely helps
8 of 11 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 Cranberry Extract and Iodine have evidence — compare verdict strength side-by-side.
36mg PACs (proanthocyanidins) or 400-500mg extract standardized to PAC content
Morning and evening, With or without food
Extract standardized to 36mg PACs (A-type)
150-300mcg for maintenance; higher only if deficient under supervision
Any time with food
Potassium iodide (most common and studied)
Ongoing
4-12 weeks
4-8 weeks
Cranberries for preventing urinary tract infections
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (2023) · Systematic review · n=8857
Fifth update of the Cochrane review; 50 included studies with 8857 randomised participants.
Consumption of cranberry as adjuvant therapy for urinary tract infections in susceptible populations: A systematic review and meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis
PloS one (2021) · Meta analysis · n=3979
Meta-analysis of 23 trials with 3979 participants.
Supplementation with Highly Standardized Cranberry Extract Phytosome Achieved the Modulation of Urinary Tract Infection Episodes in Diabetic Postmenopausal Women Taking SGLT-2 Inhibitors: A RCT Study
Nutrients (2024) · Rct
Considering UTI episodes, during the six-month supplementation period, an increase of 1.321 (95% CI: -0.322; 2.9650) was observed in the placebo group, while it remained at a steady value of 0.393 (95% CI: -4.230; 5.016) in the supplemented group.
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 RCTs showing UTI reduction in women. Effect size varies significantly between studies (15-73% reduction). Most effective for recurrent UTI prevention. PAC-standardized extracts preferred over juice forms for consistent dosing and reduced GI effects.
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.
Cranberry Extract has a higher evidence score (6/10 vs 8.5/10) and wins in 2 of 3 categories.
No known interactions between Cranberry Extract and Iodine have been documented in our database. However, always consult a healthcare provider before combining supplements.