Sea moss has become increasingly popular in recent years, with many touting it as a superfood that can improve multiple aspects of health. It is an edible form of seaweed that has been harvested and consumed for nearly 14,000 years. Sea moss contains nutrients such as zinc and folic acid, which can potentially promote fertility if taken in the right amounts. However, it is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with taking sea moss, as it has a high iodine content and consuming too much can lead to thyroid dysfunction. The National Institutes of Health set the maximum intake limit at 1,100 mcg of iodine per day, with the recommendation to stay as close as possible to the recommended daily dose of 150 mcg per day.
The exact amount of iodine in sea moss products varies by brand, but it's not unusual for a single serving or portion to contain 300% or more of daily needs. When taken in normal amounts, sea moss is generally safe and may have health benefits. However, consuming too much Irish moss may mean that you're ingesting too much iodine. Excessive iodine consumption can cause thyroid dysfunction in some populations, such as thyroiditis, papillary thyroid cancer, and goiter. Therefore, it is not recommended to consume large quantities of sea moss. Taking sea moss together with medicines for an overactive thyroid may alter the effects of these medications.
Taking sea moss together with thyroid hormone medications may also change the effects of these medications. Sea moss supplements may not be safe for everyone, so it is important to consult your doctor before taking any. In addition, despite its recent fame, there is no credible evidence that consuming sea moss can increase a person's chances of becoming pregnant. And while it might be exciting to look for new possible superfoods, sea moss might not be worth it. Gorin recognizes that sea moss contains fiber, which could make morning oats a little more satisfying; just know that no food or supplement has the power to dictate the number on the scale.
