Sea moss (Chondrus crispus) is a type of red seaweed commonly found in the northern Atlantic. It's a source of the food additive, carrageenan.
Sea moss is about 80% water. It provides carbohydrates, small amounts of protein and fat, and some vitamins and minerals. It's also a source of iodine.
People use sea moss for fatigue, iodine deficiency, muscle strength, pain, quality of life, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Don't confuse sea moss with other types of seaweed. Also don't confuse it with algin or carrageenan. These are not the same.
Is It Effective?
There is interest in using sea moss for a number of purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Is it Safe?
When taken by mouth: Sea moss is commonly consumed in foods. There isn't enough reliable information to know if sea moss is safe to use as medicine. Sea moss contains iodine in concentrations of 4-7 mcg per gram. Iodine shouldn't be consumed in amounts above the tolerable upper intake level (UL) of 1100 mcg.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Sea moss is commonly consumed in foods. There isn't enough reliable information to know if sea moss is safe to use as medicine while pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and stick to food amounts.
Thyroid problems: Sea moss contains iodine. Iodine might make thyroid problems worse.
Amiodarone (Cordarone)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Amiodarone contains iodine. Sea moss also contains iodine. Taking sea moss along with amiodarone might increase the levels of iodine in the blood. Too much iodine in the blood can cause side effects that affect the thyroid.
Medications for an overactive thyroid (Antithyroid drugs)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Sea moss contains iodine. Iodine can increase or decrease thyroid function. Taking sea moss along with medications for an overactive thyroid might change the effects of these medications.
Thyroid hormone
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Sea moss contains iodine. Iodine can increase or decrease thyroid function. Taking sea moss along with thyroid hormone medications might change the effects of these medications.
Iodine-containing herbs and supplements: Sea moss contains iodine. Taking sea moss with other products that contain iodine might cause iodine levels to go too high. This can cause side effects, such as changes in thyroid function. Examples of supplements that contain iodine include seaweed products, such as dulse and laminaria.
There are no known interactions with foods.
Sea moss is commonly consumed in foods, such as smoothies. As medicine, there isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of sea moss might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.
Carrageenan Moss, Chondrus crispus, Goémon blanc, Irish Moss, Irish Moss Algae, Mousse d'Irlande, Musgo de mar.
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