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Head-to-head evidence comparison — which supplement is right for you?
Hawthorn vs Iodine: Iodine has the stronger overall evidence (8.5 vs 6.5/10); the best pick depends on your goals. Take the 60-second quiz for a pick tailored to your goals.
Iodine wins 2 of 3 categories. Both are solid choices — the best pick depends on your specific goals.
Verdict
Too few graded studies
1 of 2 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
Verdict
Limited support
1 of 4 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
160-900mg extract (standardized to 2-3% flavonoids or 18-20% OPCs)
With meals, Split into 2-3 doses
Standardized extract (WS 1442 or LI 132 are most studied)
150-300mcg for maintenance; higher only if deficient under supervision
Any time with food
Potassium iodide (most common and studied)
and 2 more not shown
8-12 weeks
6-12 weeks
4-12 weeks
4-8 weeks
Would integrated Western and traditional Chinese medicine have more benefits for stroke rehabilitation? A systematic review and meta-analysis
Stroke and vascular neurology (2022) · Meta analysis · n=6339
Our results indicate that the combined use of CM and WM could be more efficacious in stroke rehabilitation compared with the use of WM therapy alone.
Hawthorn extract for treating chronic heart failure: meta-analysis of randomized trials
The American Journal of Medicine (2003) · Meta analysis · n=632
Eight trials including 632 patients with chronic heart failure (NYHA classes I to III) provided data suitable for meta-analysis.
Traditional Chinese medicines benefit to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Molecular biology reports (2012) · Meta analysis · n=5904
Comparing with western medicines mentioned above, TCM had a better effect on the normalization of alanine aminotransferase and disappearance of radiological steatosis in the treatment of NAFLD.
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.
Iodine has a higher evidence score (8.5/10 vs 6.5/10) and wins in 2 of 3 categories.
No documented interaction was found in the data searched. This does not establish that this exact combination is safe.
Selenium helps; iodine can WORSEN Hashimoto’s. The honest take on "thyroid support".
What’s safe while nursing, the truth about milk-supply herbs, and what to avoid (it passes into milk).
Commonly recommended vs ask-your-clinician vs avoid — a general, safety-first overview.
The right pick depends on your goals. Answer a few quick questions for a personalised recommendation — or dig into the full evidence on each.