Fibrocystic breast disease

Overview

Fibrocystic breast disease has two reviewed supplements. Iodine (WA 56; medium effect size, low evidence, medium trust) may reduce breast pain, with molecular iodine at 3000–6000 mcg daily for five months helping cyclic pain and tenderness; 1500 mcg daily did not show benefit in the summarized research.

N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) (WA 44; low effect size, low evidence, medium trust; one study) at 600 mg once daily for 12 weeks slightly improved breast pain versus placebo in one small trial. Evidence overall remains limited. See the heatmap and evidence reviews below for both entries.

Effect graph

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Relevant supplements

Relevant supplements sorted by DEX Score.


Iodine	★★★★★	Medium
N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC)	★★★★★	Low

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Studies

Find individual evidence reviews for supplements sorted by DEX Score.

2 supplements for rated at least stars. All purchase bands. No minimum star filter.

IodineView supplement →

Reconsider purchase★★★★★

How we scored this

Effect SizeMediumEvidenceLowTrustMedium

Evidence Review

Early research suggests that iodine supplements may help reduce breast pain in women with fibrocystic breast disease.
Different forms of iodine have been studied, and molecular iodine seems to work best and cause fewer side effects.
Higher amounts, between 3000 and 6000 mcg daily, taken for 5 months, helped reduce breast pain and tenderness in women with cyclic breast pain.
Smaller amounts, such as 1500 mcg daily, did not show benefit.

Browse 2 studies

RCTThe effect of supraphysiologic levels of iodine on patients with cyclic mastalgia2004

In 111 euthyroid women with cyclic mastalgia over 6 months, iodine supplementation (1.5 mg/day) reduced breast pain scores versus placebo.

Effect: Benefit
Duration: 6 months
Dose: 1.5 mg/day
Population: Women

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Clinical trialIodine replacement in fibrocystic disease of the breast1993n=1,365

In 1,365 women with fibrocystic breast disease followed up to 5 years, molecular iodine (0.08 mg/kg) reduced breast pain and nodularity versus control.

Effect: Benefit
Duration: 5 years
Dose: 0.08 mg/kg
Population: Women
Participants: 1,365

View on PubMed

N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC)View supplement →

Reconsider purchase★★★★★

How we scored this

Effect SizeLowEvidenceLowTrustMedium

Evidence Review

It is uncertain if N-acetylcysteine (NAC) helps fibrocystic breast disease.
One small study found that taking NAC 600 mg once daily for 12 weeks slightly improved breast pain compared to a placebo.

Browse 1 study