Loading…
We use essential cookies (authentication, your saved goals/stack) by default. With your permission we'll also enable privacy-respecting analytics (Vercel Web Analytics, anonymous load-time metrics) and error-replay diagnostics (Sentry — DOM snapshots only when an error fires) so we can fix bugs faster. Learn more about cookies
Head-to-head evidence comparison — which supplement is right for you?
TUDCA 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
5 of 5 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)
250-500mg daily for general support; up to 1500mg for therapeutic use
With meals containing fat, Before or with fatty meals
TUDCA capsules (pure tauroursodeoxycholic acid)
4-12 weeks
4-8 weeks
4-8 weeks
1-2 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.
The bile acid TUDCA and neurodegenerative disorders: An overview
Life sciences (2021) · Systematic review
The tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA), one of the acids found in bear bile, is a hydrophilic bile acid and naturally produced in the liver by conjugation of taurine to ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA).
Nutraceutical, Dietary, and Lifestyle Options for Prevention and Treatment of Ventricular Hypertrophy and Heart Failure
International journal of molecular sciences (2021) · Systematic review
The potential advantages of whole-food plant-based diets, moderation in salt intake, avoidance of phosphate additives, and regular exercise training and sauna sessions are also discussed.
Trial of Sodium Phenylbutyrate-Taurursodiol for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
The New England Journal of Medicine (2020) · Rct · n=137
A total of 137 participants were randomly assigned in a 2:1 ratio to receive sodium phenylbutyrate-taurursodiol (89 participants) or placebo (48 participants).
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 one phase 3 RCT in ALS showing modest functional improvement and systematic reviews suggesting neuroprotective effects. Effect size is conservative given single disease population study and limited human data for other neurological conditions.
AI-estimated from published studies. Interpret as directional guidance.
TUDCA has a higher evidence score (6/10 vs 8.5/10) and wins in 2 of 3 categories.
No known interactions between Iodine and TUDCA have been documented in our database. However, always consult a healthcare provider before combining supplements.