Sea Moss During Pregnancy | Benefits of Sea Moss for Mamas To Be
Coming directly from the ocean, sea moss is a magic ingredient for mamas-to-be. Its nutrient-dense composition and antioxidant properties will keep you calm and active throughout the day.
As long as consumed in moderation, sea moss during pregnancy can be a valuable source of iodine, iron, and other essential nutrients that are vital for the mommies-to-be. Let’s find out how!
Can Sea Moss Be Taken While Pregnant?
Yes, you can take it during pregnancy. Sea moss is an alga highly enriched with vitamins and other essential nutrients, earning the title of nutrient-dense food.
Although sea moss is a nutrient-rich food that can benefit pregnant and breastfeeding women, it is essential to note that excessive levels of minerals in your body can harm you and your baby. Therefore, avoiding consuming high doses of any supplement is generally recommended.
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Why Is Sea Moss a Superfood for Pregnant Women?
Many women are interested in the potential benefits of sea moss for pregnancy, as it is believed to contain important vitamins and minerals that can support a healthy pregnancy.
Here are some key points that all the about-to-be-mamas should consider before adding this superfood to their diets.
- Iodine
Sea moss is a rich source of iodine, an essential mineral for healthy fetal brain and nervous system development.
- Iron
Chances of anaemia increase during pregnancy. However, sea moss is a good source of iron, which is important for preventing anaemia during pregnancy.
- Calcium
Sea moss contains calcium, which is essential for healthy bone development in the fetus. 1
- Supports immunity
Due to its antioxidant compound, sea moss is excellent for boosting the immunity of pregnant women, which can often become compromised.
- Magnesium
Magnesium is another mineral in sea moss that is beneficial for maternal health. 2
- Vitamins
Sea moss is a natural source of vitamins A, E, and K, as well as B vitamins, which are vital for fetal development and the health of the mother.
Is Seamoss Safe During Pregnancy?
Sea moss for pregnancy is generally safe if you stick to consuming small amounts of seaweed. However, it is essential to note that anything taken in excess can prove to be harmful.
The most popular form of sea moss is the Red algae or Chondrus Crispus. It contains less iodine than brown sea moss and is better for pregnant ladies. 3
Due to the high cost of Irish moss production, you should be cautious about being sold brown sea moss in its place.
Side Effects of Taking Seamoss While Pregnancy
Sea moss has more benefits than side effects. However, pregnant women must be extra cautious with consuming seaweed as it will affect their unborn babies too.
A few sea moss side effects include:
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Iodine Overdose
Sea moss contains high quantities of iodine, which might have an adverse effect if taken more than the required quantity. Overconsumption of iodine is proven to cause thyroid dysfunction in mothers and children. 4
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Skin Irritation
Sea moss is generally considered safe for consumption, but it is possible to experience skin irritation or allergic reactions. This is because sea moss contains certain compounds like carrageenan and histamines that can irritate some people.
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Nausea and Stomach Issues
When consuming sea moss, some people may experience digestive issues such as bloating, gas, and diarrhoea. These symptoms can be especially problematic during pregnancy when the digestive system is stressed.
If you experience any such side effects after using sea moss, stop the use of it right away.
Sea Moss and Prenatal Vitamins
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends all essential prenatal supplements during pregnancy. These supplements ensure you and your baby get optimal nutrients and minerals.
So, although taking sea moss along with your supplements may provide added benefits, it’s not a complete alternative to those.
How To Take Sea Moss While Pregnant?
The usage of sea moss as a dietary supplement during pregnancy should be discussed with a healthcare provider to determine its safety and appropriateness for each individual.
After taking a green signal from your physician, you can incorporate the superfood into your daily diet.
Although there is a variety of ways you can consume sea moss, here are some of the top ones:
- Supplements
Taking sea moss supplements is an easy way to enjoy the fantastic benefits of algae.
However, always buy your sea supplements from reputable and well-known sellers. Some companies sell contaminants-filled supplements, which can do more harm than good.
- Gel
You can incorporate sea moss gel in daily food items like cakes, custards, soups, etc. Sea moss is also a thickening agent; mixing it with certain food items will alleviate their taste and texture.
- Powder
Lastly, sea moss can also be dried and consumed in a powder form. You can gulp it down with a glass of water.
How Much Sea Moss to Consume During Pregnancy?
The daily recommended dosage for sea moss is 40 grams. But things get tricky when you’re pregnant, as anything you consume will directly affect the fetus.
Therefore, before consuming sea moss for pregnancy, it is crucial to seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional to determine the appropriate dosage and ensure it is safe for you and your developing baby. Your doctor will consider all the factors before recommending the exact safe dosage.
The Bottom Line
Pregnancy can be an overwhelming time. Your body is trying to adjust to the new changes, the hormones are all over the place, and there is anxiousness for the future. In a time like this, the mother must take sufficient nutrients for herself and the baby. Foods like sea moss can prove to be useful in providing the mother and her little cub with crucial vitamins and minerals.
But, before taking sea moss during pregnancy make sure to ask your ob-gyn first.
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FAQ's
Is sea moss safe during pregnancy?It is recommended that pregnant women consult with their healthcare provider before adding sea moss to their diet to ensure it is safe and appropriate for their individual health needs.
Does sea moss have folic acid and folate?Yes, sea moss is a good folate source, a naturally occurring form of folic acid. Folate is an essential nutrient during pregnancy, as it plays a critical role in fetal development, including forming the neural tube.
Is sea moss bad for fertility?There is no scientific evidence suggesting that sea moss is bad for fertility. Sea moss is a natural source of several important nutrients for good reproductive health, such as zinc and iodine.
Does sea moss help you get pregnant?No, while sea moss is a nutrient-dense food that can provide several health benefits, no scientific evidence suggests that it can directly help with fertility or increase the chances of getting pregnant.
Can sea moss replace prenatal vitamins?While sea moss is a good source of many essential nutrients, it is not a substitute for prenatal vitamins. Prenatal vitamins are specially formulated to provide the optimal amount of vitamins and minerals needed during pregnancy; however, sea moss solely cannot provide sufficient amounts of all those nutrients.
- Hofmeyr, G. J., Lawrie, T. A., Atallah, Á. N., & Torloni, M. R. (2018). Calcium supplementation during pregnancy for preventing hypertensive disorders and related problems. Cochrane database of systematic reviews, (10).
- Zarean, E., & Tarjan, A. (2017). Effect of magnesium supplement on pregnancy outcomes: a randomized control trial. Advanced biomedical research, 6.
- Chen, Q., Pan, X. D., Huang, B. F., & Han, J. L. (2018). Distribution of metals and metalloids in dried seaweeds and health risk to population in southeastern China. Scientific reports, 8(1), 1-7.
- Bouga, M., & Combet, E. (2015). Emergence of seaweed and seaweed-containing foods in the UK: focus on labeling, iodine content, toxicity and nutrition. Foods, 4(2), 240-253.
- de Assis Araujo, M. S., Froes-Asmus, C. I. R., de Figueiredo, N. D., Camara, V. M., Luiz, R. R., Prata-Barbosa, A., ... & Amim Junior, J. (2022). Prenatal Exposure to Metals and Neurodevelopment in Infants at Six Months: Rio Birth Cohort Study of Environmental Exposure and Childhood Development (PIPA Project). International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(7), 4295.
- Gould, J. F., Smithers, L. G., & Makrides, M. (2013). The effect of maternal omega-3 (n-3) LCPUFA supplementation during pregnancy on early childhood cognitive and visual development: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 97(3), 531-544.