Is sea moss good for diabetes?

In this article:

• Sea moss and blood sugar
• Sea moss for diabetes
• Recommended dosage
• How quickly does sea moss work
• Contraindications
• The bottom line

In this article

• Sea moss and blood sugar
• Sea moss for diabetes
• Recommended dosage
• How quickly does sea moss work
• Contraindications
• The bottom line

If you have diabetes, it means that your body is not making enough insulin to balance your blood glucose, or blood sugar levels. When your blood sugar is too high over time, it can damage your blood vessels, resulting in diabetes complications like heart disease, vision loss, foot problems, and kidney disease. Managing diabetes involves making dietary adjustments to help avoid blood sugar spikes, such as counting carbohydrates. But could supplements like sea moss help to lower blood sugar?

Sea moss, also known as Irish moss or Chondrus crispus, is a type of red algae found in the Atlantic Ocean containing fiber, calcium, potassium, iron, magnesium, folate, and many more essential minerals. Touted as a superfood for its many potential benefits, sea moss is purported to provide immune system support, improve gut health, lower cholesterol and blood pressure, and even help manage blood sugar. However, experts caution that research is still developing. You should not rely on sea moss alone to treat diabetes.

Does sea moss lower blood sugar?

“Sea moss has fiber, which might slow down how fast your body absorbs sugar, possibly keeping your blood sugar more stable,” says Raj Dasgupta, MD, internist and program director at Huntington Health Hospital in California. “Some compounds in it could play a role in how your body handles glucose, but there’s no strong research yet proving that it lowers blood sugar.”

“Some other types of seaweed, like brown seaweed, contain compounds like fucoxanthin that have been studied for their potential benefits in regulating blood sugar,” says Edmond Hakimi, DO, medical director at Wellbridge. For example, one study found seaweed could improve glycemic control for people with Type 2 diabetes, the most common form of diabetes. Another study found that the dietary fiber seaweed contains could make a person with diabetes feel more full, which could play a role in reducing blood sugar levels and decreasing insulin resistance.

“However, when it comes to sea moss specifically, we do not have enough research to say it works for blood sugar control,” says Dr. Hakimi. “So, it’s not something to count on for managing your A1C or improving insulin sensitivity.”

Sea moss benefits for diabetes

Though its effects on blood sugar are still unproven, there are several known effects of sea moss that could be especially beneficial for diabetes patients, including:

Weight loss

Sea moss is low in calories and high in fiber, a magic combination for weight management that helps you feel fuller longer while eating less. Obesity is a major risk factor for developing Type 2 diabetes. In fact, losing just 5% of your body weight can reduce your diabetes risk or help to reverse the condition.

Thyroid control

Sea moss is rich in iodine, a mineral that’s essential for thyroid health. Thyroid disorders and diabetes are closely linked—two of the most common endocrine conditions. Thyroid issues can worsen diabetes and vice versa. Therefore, improving your thyroid function by way of a sea moss supplement could potentially help with diabetes management—as long as you stay within the recommended daily amount. However, anyone being treated for a thyroid issue should not take sea moss.

Heart health

People with diabetes are at greater risk of heart disease. Sea moss could help to reduce blood pressure, a common cause of cardiovascular issues. Additionally, its high fiber content could lower cholesterol.

How much sea moss should I take for diabetes?

Because sea moss benefits for diabetes are still unproven, there is no specific recommended amount of sea moss to take for diabetes management. Experts suggest beginning with a low dose to see how it affects you and your blood sugar. “A lot of people take one to two tablespoons of sea moss gel (around four to eight grams) or 500 mg to 1,000 mg of capsules daily,” advises Dr. Dasgupta. “Start slow, see how you feel, and adjust if needed—but always check with your healthcare provider to be sure it’s right for you.”

How long does it take sea moss to lower blood sugar?

It takes a few weeks of consistent use to see the benefits of sea moss, according to Dr. Hakimi. However, he stresses that “when it comes to blood sugar management or diabetes, there’s no evidence that sea moss will directly help with that.” Any positive effects are likely related to overall nutrition rather than anything specific to diabetes.

“Some people feel a difference with digestion or energy in a few days to a week, but there’s no set timeline for any impact on blood sugar,” says Dr. Dasgupta.

Who should not take sea moss?

Sea moss is safe for most people, but it does have potential risks and side effects for certain groups. “Sea moss can affect your thyroid if you take too much because of the iodine in it,” says Dr. Dasgupta. “People with thyroid conditions, such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, should be cautious about sea moss because it’s rich in iodine, which can affect thyroid function,” agrees Dr. Hakimi. Additionally, pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult their healthcare provider before taking sea moss because they are at greater risk of problems due to too much iodine.

“It also thins the blood, so it’s risky if you’re on blood thinners,” adds Dr. Dasgupta. Sea moss contains carrageenan, a byproduct that may cause gastrointestinal symptoms, among other issues. “It could cause some bloating or an upset stomach if you overdo it.” Dr. Dasgupta points out. People with inflammatory bowel diseases should not take sea moss. He also notes that those who are allergic to seaweed or iodine should not consume it. Certain edible seaweeds, including sea moss, may be contaminated with heavy metals, such as arsenic. Both experts stress the importance of checking in with a healthcare professional before trying any new dietary supplement.

The bottom line

While sea moss does provide some benefits that could be helpful in managing diabetes, it is not proven to lower blood sugar on its own and should never be used as a sole method for controlling diabetes. Sea moss can be a nutritious addition to most people’s diets. Still, caution should be used for those with thyroid conditions, those taking blood thinners, pregnant or nursing women, and those allergic to seaweed or iodine.

More research is needed to evaluate sea moss’ impact on blood sugar levels, so it’s best to work with a healthcare professional to control your diabetes. Lifestyle changes, such as a healthy diet with the proper balance of carbs, maintaining a healthy weight, and closely monitoring glucose levels, are all healthy ways to manage your diabetes care.