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Trending in wellness: Why is sea moss so popular right now?
Written byLiz Connor
Reviewed byHeeral Patel
Seeing sea moss everywhere? You’re not alone. Wellness journalist Liz Connor goes beyond the buzz and finds out whether it deserves a place in your routine
Summary
1Why is sea moss trending?
You've probably come across viral videos of fans raving about the alleged benefits, claiming eating sea moss may help with...
2How can I bring sea moss into my daily routine?
“The most common way to consume sea moss is to buy it in its dried form and blend it into smoothies,” said Alex. If you want to make...
3Are there any side effects to know about?
As sea moss contains iodine, an excessive intake can lead to thyroid dysfunction, especially in people with pre-existing thyroid conditions...
With celebrities like Bella Hadid, Winnie Harlow, and Hailey Bieber reported to be big fans, sea moss is certainly making a splash in wellness right now.
If the name conjures up visions of slimy green weeds tickling your feet on beach holidays, you’re not totally wrong. Sea moss is a type of algae mostly found on the Atlantic shores of North America, Europe, and the Caribbean Islands.
But these days you’re more likely to encounter it on your TikTok feed, where many are hailing it as a next-gen “superfood”.
So, what exactly is it and why is it suddenly everywhere? More importantly, should it be part of your diet?
What is sea moss?
Sea moss, known scientifically as Chondrus crispus, is a seaweed often sold as a refrigerated gel. Sea moss contains a small amount of protein, as well as a variety of vitamins and minerals. It can also contain iodine (the content can vary depending on the sea moss) and antioxidants.
Why is sea moss trending?
You've probably come across viral videos of fans raving about the alleged benefits, claiming eating sea moss may help with hormonal breakouts, improve flagging energy levels or ease gut troubles. We’ll dive into the science to see whether these claims hold any truth later…
US model Bella Hadid is credited with initially putting the trend on the map after she shared her wellness-charged morning routine on TikTok, which involved drinking a spoonful of sea moss gel dissolved into water.
Since then, popular TikTok influencers have been copying the A-list 'health hack', documenting their results for followers.
It may be trending now, but humans have used sea moss long before social media. It’s also largely known as carrageenan, a thickening agent used in everyday products like ice cream and jelly.1
Sea moss’ history includes the Irish Potato Famine of the 1800s, where seaweed was used to combat nutritional deficiencies. It continues to occupy a special place in Caribbean culture too.1 Here are some areas in sea moss currently being researched...
Sea moss and brain function
While there are multiple potential sea moss benefits, nutritionist Alex Glover points out that due to its iodine content in some varieties of sea moss, it may contributes to normal cognitive function.2
Indeed, a 2021 review discussed the possibility of using polysaccharides (found in sea moss) as a potential treatment for neurodegenerative diseases. The research is still in its infancy and warrants further studies in humans.6
Sea moss and the microbiome
In recent years, there’s been a big shift in how we think about our microbiome, with emerging research finding a link between the complex tangle of microbes in our guts and nearly every function of the human body.7
A 2015 study, published in BMC journal, suggests that sea moss may have a prebiotic effect on our gut.8 Further conclusive studies need to be carried out on humans, but if you’re growing tired of your usual gut-friendly fridge fillers like kefir and kimchi, you might want to switch to sea moss for a fun new alternative.
Sea moss and bones
Alex also points to sea moss’s potential benefits for bone wellness, which may be beneficial for women going through perimenopause.
The reason for this is that perimenopause is known to cause major fluctuations in the female sex hormone oestrogen, which can trigger bone issues.6
“Sea moss is a very rich source of essential trace minerals like calcium, magnesium and potassium,”7 says Alex.
These minerals are crucial for maintaining normal bone density, so adding a dose into your morning routine could be worth considering.7
While there’s promising indirect evidence supporting the potential benefits of sea moss for managing perimenopausal symptoms, more direct research is needed to confirm these effects.
Alex added that some varieties of sea moss are also a source of iodine, which supports normal thyroid function and thyroid hormone production.8
Sea moss and other issues
As for the other so-called benefits shared on social media such as “clearing hormonal breakouts, boosting energy levels, and easing digestive issues”… the jury is out when it comes to scientific evidence for this. But, with the nutritious and unique qualities, it may still have other benefits.
How can I bring sea moss into my daily routine?
“The most common way to consume sea moss is to buy it in its dried form and blend it into smoothies,” said Alex. If you want to make like the A-list set, he adds that you can mix sea moss gel with water to create a puree (eat just one spoonful per day).
Though the taste is mild, not everyone fancies a spoonful of moss in the morning. Tablets and gummies are a super-convenient alternative if you'd prefer to get your sea moss that way.
Are there any side effects to know about?
As sea moss contains iodine, an excessive intake could lead to thyroid dysfunction, especially in people with pre-existing thyroid conditions or iodine sensitivity.9
So, eating large amounts or combining it with other iodine-rich foods or supplements isn’t recommended, as it can potentially lead to thyroid imbalances.9 It also shouldn’t be relied on as a source of iodine if you have an iodine deficiency, as the content can vary from sea moss to sea moss. If you have an existing condition or any concerns, speak to your doctor before taking sea moss.
There‘s also the risk that sea moss harvested from polluted waters might contain traces of heavy metals such as arsenic, mercury and lead.10,11
Tiny amounts usually aren’t anything to worry about on a one-time basis, but they could cause health issues if consumed regularly and long-term. That's why it's important to make sure you buy good-quality sea moss from reputable suppliers, so you can ensure the algae's purity.
Is sea moss right for me?
Ultimately, it’s important to assess the individual risks and benefits, and none of us should blindly jump onto wellness trends just because our favourite celebrity does it.
People with seafood allergies or iodine intolerance should avoid sea moss. If you’re pregnant, taking medication, or have a pre-existing condition, speak to your GP before adding anything new into your usual supplement mix.
The final say
Sea moss might sound like just another quirky TikTok health fad, but as our nutrition team explains, this unassuming algae has a surprising nutrient profile.
From adding it to your diet to potentially supporting your wellness, there may be a lot to be gained from adding a dose of ocean plants into our morning routines.
Want to know more? Discover the most Googled questions on sea moss.
1. International Food Additives Council (IFAC). Irish Moss: The History of Carrageenan’s Roots [Internet]. IFAC [cited 2024 Jun 6]. Available from: https://www.foodingredientfacts.org/irish-moss-the-history-of-carrageenans-roots/
2. European Commission. Characteristics [Internet]. European Commission [cited 2024 Jun 6]. Available from: https://ec.europa.eu/food/food-feed-portal/screen/health-claims/eu-register/details/POL-HC-6385
3. 6. Bauer S, Jin W, Zhang F, Linhardt RJ. The Application of Seaweed Polysaccharides and Their Derived Products with Potential for the Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease. Marine Drugs. 2021 Feb 4;19(2):89.
4. Hills RD, Pontefract BA, Mishcon HR, Black CA, Sutton SC, Theberge CR. Gut Microbiome: Profound Implications for Diet and Disease. Nutrients [Internet]. 2019 Jul 16;11(7):1613. Available from: Hills RD, Pontefract BA, Mishcon HR, Black CA, Sutton SC, Theberge CR. Gut Microbiome: Profound Implications for Diet and Disease. Nutrients [Internet]. 2019 Jul 16;11(7):1613. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6682904/
5. 8. Liu J, Kandasamy S, Zhang J, Kirby CW, Karakach T, Hafting J, et al. Prebiotic effects of diet supplemented with the cultivated red seaweed Chondrus crispus or with fructo-oligo-saccharide on host immunity, colonic microbiota and gut microbial metabolites. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2015 Aug 14;15(1).
6. NHS. Menopause: A healthy lifestyle guide [Internet]. NHS [2021 Oct 11; cited 2024 Jun 6]. Available from: https://www.cuh.nhs.uk/patient-information/menopause-a-healthy-lifestyle-guide/
7. Cherry P, Yadav S, Strain CR, Allsopp PJ, Mcsorley EM, Ross RP, et al. Prebiotics from seaweeds: An ocean of opportunity? Marine Drugs [Internet]. 2019;17(6). Available from: https://www.mendeley.com/catalogue/f919dcef-7ad3-3218-a4fe-23ab27403869/
8. European Commission. Characteristics [Internet]. European Commission [cited 2024 Jun 6]. Available from: https://ec.europa.eu/food/food-feed-portal/screen/health-claims/eu-register/details/POL-HC-6389
9. Farebrother J, Zimmermann MB, Andersson M. Excess iodine intake: sources, assessment, and effects on thyroid function. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences. 2019 Mar 20;1446(1).
10. Ohio Department of Agriculture. Sea Moss [Internet]. Ohio Department of Agriculture [2021 Dec; cited 2024 Jun 6]. Available from: https://agri.ohio.gov/wps/wcm/connect/gov/7154e5a0-8e79-490a-a62b-7668e69c5a9b/Sea+Moss+Fact+Sheet.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&CONVERT_TO=url&CACHEID=ROOTWORKSPACE.Z18_K9I401S01H7F40QBNJU3SO1F56-7154e5a0-8e79-490a-a62b-7668e69c5a9b-nTZq68i
11. Collén J, Cornish ML, Craigie J, Ficko-Blean E, Hervé C, Krueger-Hadfield SA, Leblanc C, Michel G, Potin P, Tonon T, Boyen C. Chapter Three – Chondrus crispus – A Present and Historical Model Organism for Red Seaweeds. Advances in Botanical Research [Internet]. 2014 May 27 [cited 2024 Jun 10] 71: 53-89. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9780124080621000032
The advice in this article is for information only and should not replace medical care. Please check with your GP or healthcare professional before trying any supplements, treatments or remedies. Food supplements must not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.
Before taking any supplements or minerals, it’s best to make sure you’re getting all the nutrients through your diet first. Food supplements must not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.
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