Sea moss gummies have become a popular supplement, perhaps in part due to celebrities like Bella Hadid drinking sea moss gel every morning. Now, in addition to gels, you'll find countless brands selling the seaweed in gummy form, making it even more difficult to figure out what's fact or fiction, and if sea moss gummies are even right for you in the first place.
To see if the potential benefits of sea moss gummies outweigh the risks, we reached out to experts to learn more about the seaweed in its supplement form.
What are sea moss gummies?
"Sea moss gummies are a popular supplement made from Chondrus crispus -- also known as Irish moss -- a type of red seaweed that grows along the rocky coastlines of the Atlantic, particularly in Ireland, the Caribbean and parts of North America," said Dr. Yelena Deshko, naturopathic doctor and founder of Timeless Health Clinic.
Deshko adds that traditionally, sea moss has been boiled into a gel and used in foods or as a natural remedy. However, gummies provide a more convenient, modern form. Most of these gummies contain a powdered or gel extract of the seaweed, blended with fruit flavors and natural sweeteners to improve their taste.
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How do sea moss gummies work?
The bioavailability of sea moss gummies and their health benefits are still being researched, but they contain many highly bioavailable components. The bioavailability of a food is how easy it is for your body to break down that food and retrieve essential nutrients from it. The more bioavailable something is, the easier it is for your body to digest and absorb it.
There are some potential positive overall health effects, but there are also some risks to be aware of. On the positive side, research may indicate that sea moss gummies could help alleviate arthritis, diabetes, autoimmune difficulties and ocular and cardiovascular diseases. Note that the evidence here is preliminary, mostly from cell or animal studies, and there are no large human trials to confirm these benefits.
One of the most significant risks to be aware of is the high levels of iodine in seaweed. If you use sea moss gummies, keeping track of the recommended dosages and not exceeding your daily recommended iodine intake is essential. Those with thyroid disorders, those breastfeeding and those who are pregnant have to be especially cautious.
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