Sea moss is the hottest wellness fad — but is algae safe?

health

by Brooke Kato

A dubious fad or a nutritious treasure trove? Experts don’t know much about seaweed.

Sea moss is the most popular wellness product Loved by A-listers and it was advertised TikToker People consuming spoonfuls of neon blue gelatinous slime while touting its health benefits.

Sold at high-end grocery stores such as Erewhon, algae is available dried, mixed into gummy nutritional supplements, and in gel or liquid form. Kourtney Kardashian’s “Rem” Drops.

Despite claims that seaweed (a type of algae found on the rocky coasts of the Atlantic Ocean and contains many beneficial minerals) has a wealth of health benefits, experts believe that seaweed is I’m skeptical that it’s more nutritious than it is. Standard fruits and vegetables.

Miranda Galati, a registered dietitian based in Canada, said: USA Today Although there are claims that algae may have certain health benefits, there is little research to support these claims.

according to Very Well Healthseaweed, or Chondrus crispus, is thought to be associated with improved gut, thyroid, and immune health.

“Unfortunately, the health claims of seaweed are largely unsubstantiated,” Galati points out.

In fact, health-conscious consumers who take seaweed supplements may be at risk of iodine poisoning, as the amount of iodine varies depending on where it is grown. health line. Too much iodine can reduce thyroid activity or cause hypothyroidism.

And in addition to gastrointestinal symptoms and allergic reactions, seaweed also poses a risk of ingesting heavy metals, since algae absorb and store large amounts of potentially toxic heavy metals, according to Healthline.

Not to mention, seaweed can interact with some medications, Galati added, stressing the need to consult your doctor before incorporating so-called superfoods into your diet.

She noted that people who are pregnant, breastfeeding, have a medical condition, or are over 65 should probably avoid consuming seaweed.

“There may be potential benefits, but I don’t think it’s worth the risk,” she says.