From Men's Health · Perri O. Blumberg · · 1m 40s
Irish Sea Moss: Health Hype vs. Reality
Irish Sea moss supplements promise health benefits but lack solid science.
In brief
Irish Sea moss supplements promise health benefits but lack solid science. Irish Sea moss supplements provide no guaranteed health benefits despite claims of supporting joints, skin, and immunity. Originally reported by Men's Health.
Quick answers
- What Is Irish Sea Moss?
- Irish sea moss is a type of red algae found in the Atlantic Ocean along the coasts of the United States, Canada, and Ireland.
- What is the key takeaway from Irish Sea Moss: Health Hype vs. Reality?
- Irish Sea moss supplements provide no guaranteed health benefits despite claims of supporting joints, skin, and immunity.
What Is Irish Sea Moss?
Irish sea moss is a type of red algae found in the Atlantic Ocean along the coasts of the United States, Canada, and Ireland.
Forms and Uses of Irish Sea Moss
It comes in powders, pills, dried flakes, and gummies and is used in puddings, ice cream, and toothpaste.
Nutrients in Irish Sea Moss
Irish sea moss contains iodine, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, and copper for your body's needs.
Health Benefits Claims
Supplements claim to support healthy joints, skin, hair, and immunity but lack human health studies.
Why Benefits Are Unproven
Most studies on sea moss are small, animal-based, or in vitro with no human testing.
Risks of Heavy Metals
Seaweed can absorb heavy metals from water, risking neurological, kidney, liver, and heart damage.
Iodine Toxicity Risk
One serving of seaweed has about 116 mcg of iodine, but toxicity requires over 1.1 milligrams daily.
Supplement Safety Tips
Choose reputable brands with third-party lab tests to ensure no heavy metals or impurities.
When to Take Supplements
If you eat a varied diet with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats, no supplement is needed.
Why Irish Sea Moss Isn't Essential
You can't be deficient in sea moss, but you may need iodine or magnesium from food sources.
The takeaway
Irish Sea moss supplements provide no guaranteed health benefits despite claims of supporting joints, skin, and immunity.
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