Can I Take Sea Moss While Pregnant?

Can I Take Sea Moss While Pregnant?

 


Sea moss is a type of algae packed full of vitamins and other nutrients and is known as one of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet. It comes in many varieties, each with a different appearance and color. It usually grows in spiny formations that can be red, yellow, or green, depending on the species.

While it can be prepared as a food or drink in various forms, it is not known for its flavor, and most people prefer to take it as a supplement in the form of a capsule or concentrated powder. It is also used as a thickening agent in many foods, including ice cream and baby formula. Sea moss is full of nutrients that are beneficial to both pregnant and breastfeeding women. However, excessive concentrations of most minerals in your body can cause health problems for you and your baby, so high doses of any supplement should generally be avoided.

Why Is Sea Moss A Superfood?

Among other nutrients, sea moss contains large amounts of minerals that nowaday very hard to find in food:

Iron

Iron is needed to produce healthy red blood cells for you and the baby. It is not uncommon for pregnant women to suffer from anemia, a shortage of red blood cells, resulting from producing about 50% more blood than usual.1

Zinc

A zinc deficiency can increase your risk for preterm birth or difficult labor.2

Potassium

Potassium regulates the balance of fluids and electrolytes throughout your body. It is vital for supporting your increased blood volume during pregnancy.

Phosphorus

Phosphorus is an essential mineral for making strong bones and supports your health by supporting tissue repair, kidney function, and other essential body functions.

Calcium

Calcium is another important mineral for building healthy teeth and bones, as well as supporting your nervous system.

Iodine

Iodine regulates your thyroid, which is responsible for managing your metabolism and ensuring the healthy growth of the baby. Iodine can also help with breastmilk production, as most women with low breastmilk supply are deficient in iodine.

Selenium

Selenium is also used to regulate thyroid function and act as an antioxidant that supports your immune system.

Manganese

Manganese helps form bone and cartilage. You probably already get enough of it from your regular diet as it is fairly abundant. Sea moss supplements could lead to overconsumption of manganese.3

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is used for many functions in the body, but like manganese, it is easy to get in a regular diet, and too much of it can be harmful, harming bone strength.4

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is important for bone and tooth development as well as supporting the immune system. A vitamin C deficiency can make your body less able to absorb iron from your diet.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D regulates the amount of calcium from your diet that is used by your body. 

Omega 3 Fatty Acids

Omega 3 fatty acids are an essential building block of the brain and eye tissue, as well as being an essential nutrient for maintaining your own health during pregnancy.5

Side Effects Of Taking Sea Moss

 

 

Like many natural supplements, sea moss is generally thought to be safe but has not been extensively researched, so it is best used in moderation when pregnant. Many sea vegetables, including sea moss, can absorb heavy metals such as mercury from the ocean. Overconsumption can lead to a toxic buildup of these metals in your bloodstream that will be passed on to the baby.

Taking too much sea moss also carries the risk of putting too much iodine into your system. Iodine is an essential nutrient for ensuring proper thyroid function. However, too much of it can cause hypothyroidism or an underactive thyroid. The thyroid is responsible for managing your metabolism and growth. Thyroid disorders during pregnancy can create a number of serious risks for both you and the baby.6

Sea Moss Is Safe For Pregnant Women In Moderation

As a nutrient-rich superfood, sea moss can provide a wide range of vitamins and minerals you need to stay healthy during pregnancy. However, it should not be overused as it contains heavy metals and other substances that can be harmful to you or the baby if they build up in your system.

Get High Quality Sea Moss From Mother Nutrient's Sea Moss Capsules

Crafted with the finest ingredients, Mother Nutrient Sea Moss Complex + Kelp is loaded with vital nutrients. 

With 180 easy-to-swallow capsules in each bottle, this is destined to be a mainstay in your diet, buy yours today!

References

  1. https://b-s-h.org.uk/media/2891/uk_guidelines_iron_deficiency_in_pregnancy.pdf 
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7043363 
  3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4803871/ 
  4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6470929/ 
  5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3046737/ 
  6. https://bmcpregnancychildbirth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12884-020-03448-z