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Head-to-head evidence comparison — which supplement is right for you?
Iodine wins 2 of 3 categories. Both are solid choices — the best pick depends on your specific goals.
Verdict
Mixed evidence
4 of 12 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
Verdict
Likely helps
15 of 16 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
150-300mcg for maintenance; higher only if deficient under supervision
Any time with food
Potassium iodide (most common and studied)
1200-2400mg providing 10mg monacolin K
Evening (cholesterol synthesis peaks at night)
Standardized extract with verified monacolin K content
4-12 weeks
4-8 weeks
8-12 weeks
8-12 weeks
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.
Efficacy and Safety of Armolipid Plus(®): An Updated PRISMA Compliant Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Clinical Trials
Nutrients (2021) · Meta analysis · n=1050
Armolipid Plus® was well tolerated.
Safety and Efficacy of the Consumption of the Nutraceutical "Red Yeast Rice Extract" for the Reduction of Hypercholesterolemia in Humans: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Nutrients (2024) · Meta analysis
The consumption of RYR extract by people with hypercholesterolemia was associated with statistically significant reduction in total cholesterol and LDL-C, whereas it was not associated with an increase in life-threatening side effects.
Impact of Berberine or Berberine Combination Products on Lipoprotein, Triglyceride and Biological Safety Marker Concentrations in Patients with Hyperlipidemia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Journal of dietary supplements (2024) · Meta analysis · n=4838
Products with berberine alone had less robust effects on TC (MD -12.08 mg/dL [95%CI: -21.79 to -2.37]), LDL (MD -9.26 mg/dL [95%CI: -20.31 to 1.78]), and HDL (MD 1.38 mg/dL [95%CI: -1.27 to 4.03]) but TG effects were similar (MD -17.40 mg/dL [95%CI: -32.57 to -2.23]).
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.
Based on RCT showing 16.77% reduction with 3mg and 26.46% reduction with 10mg monacolin K. Conservative effectiveness scaling due to limited dose-response data and variable study quality noted in meta-analyses.
AI-estimated from published studies. Interpret as directional guidance.
Iodine has a higher evidence score (8.5/10 vs 7.8/10) and wins in 2 of 3 categories.
No known interactions between Iodine and Red Yeast Rice have been documented in our database. However, always consult a healthcare provider before combining supplements.