If you regularly consume content from wellness influencers, odds are you've come across at least one person who takes sea moss gummies for their alleged health benefits. Even model Bella Hadid drinks sea moss gel every morning. But is sea moss, especially in gummy form, as beneficial as people say, or is this just another piece of health misinformation circulating on social media?
To find out if sea moss gummies are worth adding to our medicine cabinets, we spoke with registered dietitians to learn more about the best sea moss gummies, their potential benefits and risks and who should avoid them entirely.
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.
What sea moss looks like ablokhin/Getty Images
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 potential positive overall health effects, but there are also risks to be aware of. On the positive side, research may indicate that sea moss gummies could help alleviate symptoms of arthritis, diabetes, autoimmune disorders 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, it is essential to keep track of the recommended dosages and not exceed your daily recommended iodine intake. Those with thyroid disorders, those breastfeeding and those who are pregnant have to be especially cautious.
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