Trending in wellness: Why is sea moss so popular 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?

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's also a source of iodine and antioxidants.

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… 

Indeed, a 2021 review discussed the possibility of using polysaccharides (found in sea moss) as a potential treatment for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and depression. The research is still in its infancy and warrants further studies in humans.⁶

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.

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 bone density, so adding a dose into your morning routine might help to ward off potential wellness issues during this transitional life stage.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 sea moss is also a source of iodine, which supports normal thyroid function and thyroid hormone production.⁸

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.

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 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.

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.

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.