6 benefits of sea moss for men

In this article:

• 6 health benefits of sea moss for men
• Nutrients in sea moss
• Sea moss side effects
• Does sea moss interfere with medications?
• How to integrate sea moss into your diet
• Bottom line

In this article

• 6 health benefits of sea moss for men
• Nutrients in sea moss
• Sea moss side effects
• Does sea moss interfere with medications?
• How to integrate sea moss into your diet
• Bottom line

Sea moss, also known as Irish sea moss or Chondrus crispus, is a type of red algae that provides a ready source of nutrients like calcium, iron, magnesium, folate, and others. Sea moss supplements are becoming a wellness trend, and although it’s not like nori, the snackable dried seaweed you might see at the grocery store or in sushi, sea moss is a dietary superstar in waiting.

Irish sea moss is a type of seaweed that grows near the Atlantic Ocean’s coast, mostly between North America and Europe. It is also found in some parts of the Caribbean and in the warm waters of Asia, South America, and Africa. Sea moss is one source of carrageenan, a thickening agent that can be used in some foods and beverages.

Sea moss is gaining in popularity as a dietary supplement due to the myriad nutritional benefits it may provide. For men, sea moss may help maintain healthy testosterone levels and support fertility. It can also boost energy levels, thanks to nutrients like iodine and zinc. Read on to learn more about how sea moss may help men experience faster muscle recovery, improved thyroid health, better gut health, and enhanced well-being.

RELATED: Sea moss benefits

6 health benefits of sea moss for men

With its impressive list of vitamins and minerals, prebiotics, fiber, and a low calorie and carbohydrate count, sea moss is often considered a superfood. It may be beneficial for many people looking to boost their wellness. For men, there are a few specific benefits, but most positive effects of sea moss hold true for either gender. “Sea moss contains essential minerals like iodine, zinc, and magnesium, which can potentially support men’s health by boosting energy, helping muscle recovery, improving the immune system, and supporting thyroid health,” says Raj Dasgupta, MD, internist and program director at Huntington Health Hospital in California.

“As a pharmacist, I see patients incorporate supplements like sea moss into their wellness routines,” says Sazan Sylejmani, Pharm.D., pharmacy manager at Westmont Pharmacy in Westmont, Illinois. “Sea moss is a type of red algae that contains minerals like potassium, calcium, and magnesium. These can have benefits for gut and immune health in men.”

Below are six potential health benefits of sea moss consumption for men.

1. Nutritional supplementation

Most seaweeds are good sources of vitamins and minerals, and Irish sea moss is no exception. A serving of 100 grams provides significant amounts of calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin A. 

Nutrients in sea moss
Calcium	Coupons	Learn more
Iron	Coupons	Learn more
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Vitamin C	Coupons	Learn more
Vitamin A	Coupons	Learn more

2. Testosterone support

“Sea moss contains zinc, which plays a role in maintaining healthy testosterone levels and fertility,” says Dr. Dasgupta. He does acknowledge, however, that while it may support testosterone levels, strong evidence of its direct impact is currently lacking.

While more human studies are needed, a small 2021 study involving male albino rats showed a “significant” change in the animals’ testicular function after consuming Irish sea moss. Testosterone levels in the treated group of rats also increased. The study authors thought that these changes may aid with fertility and sexual activity in the rats. However, because animal studies do not translate directly to humans, more research is needed to study this effect.

3. Gut health

An imbalance or inflammation in the gut can have adverse effects on the rest of the body, so having your gut health in check is critical. Sea moss is rich in prebiotics and includes some fiber, both factors that help the gut function optimally. Because of this, Dr. Dasgupta says those supplementing with sea moss may experience more regular bowel movements and improved digestive health.

“Sea moss acts as a prebiotic, feeding the good bacteria in your gut,” confirms Dr. Sylejmani. “A healthy gut microbiome aids digestion and the absorption of nutrients. Sea moss may also help relieve inflammation in the gut lining,” he says.

4. Cardiac health

Heart disease is a leading cause of death for men and happens on average about 10 years earlier than it does for women. This means making heart health a dietary priority is important for all men. Seaweeds, in general, have been studied for their ability to improve symptoms of arthritis, diabetes, autoimmune, ocular, and cardiovascular diseases. Sea moss specifically has been found to reduce blood pressure, and the fiber found in red seaweed helps promote healthy gastrointestinal processes that may lower cholesterol levels.

The antioxidants found in sea moss may also help to improve cardiac health, though more studies are needed to confirm this.

5. Thyroid support

Iodine plays a role in healthy thyroid function, which is regulated by thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). Without enough iodine in a person’s diet, thyroid function is adversely affected. TSH levels become elevated without adequate iodine, which can lead to the formation of a goiter. A goiter is the enlargement of the thyroid resulting from the body trying to “trap” iodine. When iodine is circulating through the body, the thyroid gland works to regulate it for the process of thyroid hormone synthesis. Many sea moss products are a rich source of iodine. 

6. Immune system function

Sea moss may help support a healthy immune system as it provides a source of iron along with vitamin C and vitamin A, all of which have been found to help improve the immune system. While more research is needed in humans, some studies have found a positive correlation between sea moss consumption and immune system function. Prebiotics found in sea moss also may help support overall health and immunity.

RELATED: 7 benefits of sea moss for women

Sea moss side effects

When considering a supplement for its purported health benefits, it’s also critical to evaluate potential side effects and whether they would be bothersome or harmful enough to discontinue use. Sea moss does not have many documented side effects, although it’s important to note that research on the safety of sea moss consumption in human subjects is quite limited.

We do know that sea moss contains iodine, and there are risks to consuming too much of it. Irish moss has the highest average amount of iodine of all edible seaweeds, and consuming 286 grams of Irish moss per day means exceeding the daily upper limit (UL) of iodine. High levels of iodine consumption can mean similar symptoms to iodine deficiency, oddly enough. Those symptoms include:

• An enlarged thyroid gland (goiter)
• Thyroid gland inflammation
• Thyroid cancer
• Burning of the mouth, throat, and stomach
• Fever
• Stomach pain
• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
• Weak pulse
• Coma

While it may be difficult to consume enough Irish moss to cause any of these adverse symptoms, it is worth noting that iodine is present in other foods and supplements as well, so it’s important to take into account your total iodine consumption when considering whether you may be in danger of iodine overuse.

Carrageenan, the byproduct in sea moss that can act as a common thickening agent for nonfat or low-fat foods, does have some harmful side effects. While carrageenan is classified as generally recognized as safe for human consumption, consuming carrageenan may cause an immune response that leads to widespread inflammation in the body. It can be a serious health concern when this occurs and is associated with a number of diseases, such as bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, arteriosclerosis, and even cancer. Side effects of carrageenan consumption include gastrointestinal symptoms ranging from mild bloating to severe inflammatory bowel disease in some individuals. Check with your healthcare provider if this is a concern.

Another concern with consuming sea moss is the heavy metals that may be found in seaweeds. These can include arsenic, aluminum, cadmium, lead, rubidium, silicon, strontium, and tin. The amount of heavy metals found in edible seaweeds varies widely due to the environment in which they grow and the contamination in nearby areas. It is important to exercise caution when consuming seaweed, as heavy metals can accumulate in the body over time.

Does sea moss interfere with medications?

“Sea moss may interfere with thyroid medications because of its iodine content. It also has blood-thinning properties, so if you’re on blood thinners, you should talk to your doctor before using it,” says Dr. Dasgupta.

Dr. Sylejmani cautions that sea moss may also interfere with diabetes drugs. “Anyone on medication should talk to their doctor before using sea moss,” he says.

Those who already consume high levels of iodine in their diets or via supplementation should use extra caution when adding sea moss to their diet, as too much iodine can cause an array of health issues. It is important to speak with your healthcare provider before adding any new supplements to your routine.

How to integrate sea moss into your diet

“Sea moss is available in raw dried sea moss, gel, powder, capsules, and some touted health products like smoothies,” says Dr. Dasgupta. “Sea moss gel can be added to smoothies, soups, teas, or used as a thickener in recipes. The powder can be mixed into drinks or sprinkled on food, while capsules can be a convenient option as a supplement.”

“The health benefits tend to become noticeable within four to six weeks of regular use,” says Dr. Sylejmani, who suggests adding sea moss gel to oatmeal or yogurt.

Dr. Sylejmani advises starting with a small amount and gradually increasing the amount of sea moss gel or powder you add to your food to find what works best for you.

“A typical dose is one to two tablespoons of sea moss gel (about four to eight grams) daily or 500-1,000 mg if using capsules,” advises Dr. Dasgupta. “It’s best to start with a lower dose and adjust as needed, with guidance from your doctor.”

Bottom line

It is important to note that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements as thoroughly as prescription and OTC drugs, and studies in humans consuming sea moss are not plentiful at the moment. Available research suggests that consuming edible seaweed in appropriate amounts is safe for most people. The dosage of sea moss that you consider should be discussed with a healthcare professional, as should the potential for any medications you are taking to interact poorly with seaweeds.

It is important to be aware of the potential for heavy metals found in seaweeds to accumulate in the body, causing harm. Before taking sea moss or any new supplements, talk to your healthcare provider to be sure it’s a good idea.