Is TikTok right? Does eating sea moss have health benefits?

Sea moss is the latest “superfood” that influencers are raving about. They claim that sea moss products – usually in gel form – have many health benefits. These include supporting brain and immune function or protecting against viruses and other microbes.

But do these health claims overlap? Let’s take a look.

What is sea moss?

Sea moss is made from a type of seaweed – particularly red algae – that grows in various places around the world. There are three main species used in sea moss products:

• Chondrus crispy (known as Irish moss or carrageenan moss)
• Cotton eucheuma (seamoss or seabird nest)
• Gracilaria (Irish moss or ogonori).

Some products also contain brown algae Bubble ink (commonly known as bladderwrack, black wrack, rock kelp, sea grapes, bladderwrack, sea oak, cutweed, dye wrack, red wrack or rock wrack).

Most sea moss products are sold in gel form, which can be added to recipes, used in smoothies, frozen in ice cubes, or consumed on its own. The products are also available in the form of capsules or you can buy them “raw” and exploit them to prepare your own gels at home.

What is the evidence?

Sea moss products have many potential health benefits, from supporting immunity, to promoting skin health and improving mood and focus, and much more.

But is there any evidence to support these claims?

Recent studies have reviewed the biological properties of the main sea moss species (Chondrus crispy, Cotton eucheuma, Gracilaria AND Bubble ink).

They suggest that these species may have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, antidiabetic and probiotic properties.

However, the huge majority of research regarding Chondrus crispy, Gracilaria AND Bubble ink – and all the research on it Cotton eucheuma – comes from studies conducted in test tubes or on cellular and animal models. We should not assume that the observed health effects will be the same in humans.

In cell and animal studies, researchers typically administer algae in the laboratory and exploit specific extracts luxurious in bioactive compounds, rather than commercially available sea moss products.

They also exploit very different – ​​often relatively larger – amounts compared to what someone would typically consume when eating sea moss products.

This means that existing research cannot tell us about the processes that occur in the human body when eating and digesting sea moss.

Sea moss may have similar effects on humans. However, so far there is very little evidence that people who consume sea moss will experience any of the claimed health benefits.

Nutritional value

Eating sea moss does not replace the need to eat a balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits and vegetables.

Chondrus crispy, Cotton eucheuma AND Gracilarialike many seaweeds, they are a luxurious source of nutrients such as fatty acids, amino acids, vitamin C and minerals. These nutrients are also likely to be present in sea moss, although some may be lost during preparation of the product (for example, soaking may reduce vitamin C content), and those that remain may be present in relatively miniature amounts.

There are claims that sea moss may be harmful to people suffering from thyroid problems. This refers to the relationship between thyroid function and iodine. The algae used to produce sea moss are a significant source of iodine, and excessive iodine intake may contribute to thyroid problems, especially in people with pre-existing conditions. That’s why these products often contain caveats related to iodine sensitivity or thyroid health.

Is it worth it?

So you may be wondering if sea moss is worth trying. Here are some things to consider before you decide whether to start adding sea moss to your smoothies.

A 375ml jar costs around A$25-30 and will last for around seven to ten days if you follow the recommended dose of two tablespoons a day. This makes it a relatively costly source of nutrients.

There is sea moss often overrated because it contains 92 different minerals. Although there may be 92 minerals present, the amount of minerals in algae will be differ depending on the place of cultivation and conditions.

The efficiency with which algae minerals can be absorbed and used by the body also varies between minerals. For example, sodium absorbs wellalthough only about 50% iodine is absorbed.

But sea moss does it has also been shown to contain lead, mercury and other bulky metals – as well as radioactive elements (such as radon) that can be harmful to humans. Seaweed is known for its properties ability to accumulate minerals from their environment, whether beneficial or harmful to human nutrition. Remember that more does not always mean better.

What else do I eat?

While you won’t find a full nutritional breakdown on the jar, it’s always wise to check what other ingredients you may be consuming. Sea moss products may contain a number of other ingredients such as lime, monk fruit powder, spirulina and ginger, among others.

These ingredients vary by brand and product, so be aware of your needs and always check.

Despite health claims, most sea moss products also contain disclaimers indicating that these products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

If you have any concerns about your health, always consult a healthcare professional for precise and personalized medical advice.