Overview

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.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

We currently have no information for SEA MOSS overview.

Side Effects

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 and Warnings

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.

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.

Interactions ?

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Amiodarone (Cordarone) interacts with SEA MOSS

    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) interacts with SEA MOSS

    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 interacts with SEA MOSS

    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.

Dosing

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.
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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.