Sea Moss and Fertility: A Resounding Yes Or A Big No-No?

Hey, mom or dad-to-be! You’re probably exploring various natural fertility-boosting methods and are curious about how sea moss may help the process. It's completely normal to feel overwhelmed by all the research, we know it can be tricky! However, we want to dig into this topic further and provide some clarity on what role seaweed might have in getting pregnant. 

So, let’s dive deep into the ocean depths and explore whether drinking sea moss smoothies or consuming other forms of this jelly-like algae would give you that extra natural boost towards pregnancy.

Sea moss for fertility: The Claims and The Facts

Sea moss, also known as Irish moss, is a type of red algae that grows primarily in the Caribbean islands and along the North Atlantic coasts of the US and Europe.

There are many perks when it comes to consuming sea moss, from increasing thyroid function and helping in weight loss, but are any of their benefits directly related to increasing male and female fertility? Let’s dive into the link between sea moss and fertility.

Female fertility

Sea moss is packed with 92 nutrients, which represents 90% of the essential nutrients your body needs. In this sense, some of these nutrients may boost female fertility:

1. Folic Acid

Folic acid is an essential nutrient that is important for overall health, but it is especially important for women who are trying to conceive. Folic acid, also known as folate, is a B vitamin that is necessary for the proper development of the neural tube in a developing fetus.

Taking folic acid supplements before and during pregnancy can help prevent neural tube defects in the developing fetus. Neural tube defects such as spina bifida occur when the spinal cord does not form properly during fetal development, and can cause serious health problems in the baby. Research also suggests that folic acid supplements can reduce the risk of other birth defects, such as cleft lip and palate.

In addition to its role in preventing birth defects, folic acid has been found to support female fertility through several mechanisms. Research suggests that folic acid may help to balance hormone levels and improve ovarian function, thus increasing the chances of conception. Folic acid also helps to support a healthy pregnancy by supporting healthy placental function and preventing premature labor.

It is recommended that women who are planning to become pregnant or who are already pregnant take a daily folic acid supplement of at least 400 micrograms to help prevent birth defects and support healthy fertility and pregnancy. In this sense, a portion of sea moss contains 100 grams of folate!

2. Zinc

Zinc is an essential nutrient that plays an important role in reproductive health, including female fertility. It is involved in many aspects of reproductive function, including regulating the menstrual cycle, promoting ovulation, and supporting healthy fetal development.

A sea moss supplement can contain 1.95 mg of zinc, which can play a role in the development and maturation of eggs, as well as in the implantation of fertilized embryos. A deficiency in zinc can lead to menstrual irregularities, decreased fertility, and an increased risk of complications during pregnancy.

3. Antioxidants

Another benefit linked to sea moss and fertility is the antioxidants. Sea moss contains vitamin C and vitamin E, which are compounds that help to protect the body's cells from damage caused by harmful molecules called free radicals.

There is a growing body of evidence suggesting that oxidative stress caused by free radicals can have a negative impact on female fertility. Free radical damage can cause damage to the reproductive organs, disrupt hormonal balance, and damage developing eggs.

Antioxidants can help to counteract the effects of free radicals, protecting the reproductive organs and supporting healthy egg development. Several studies have found that antioxidant supplements can improve fertility outcomes in women.  

4. Iodine

Iodine is necessary for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland, which is an important regulator of reproductive hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. And sea moss is packed with it!

Iodine deficiency can lead to hormonal imbalances and irregular menstrual cycles, which can in turn affect fertility. Research has shown that women with mild to moderate iodine deficiency may take longer to conceive and may be at a higher risk of miscarriage.

However, it is important to note that consuming too much iodine can also have negative effects on fertility and overall health. Consult your doctor about how much you should take for normal iodine levels. 

5. Iron

Iron is necessary for the formation of healthy red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout the body. This includes the reproductive organs, which require adequate levels of oxygen to function properly.

Iron deficiency can lead to anemia, which can cause irregular menstrual cycles, reduced fertility, and an increased risk of complications during pregnancy. In fact, a study published by the NIH concluded that women with good iron levels have a lower risk of ovulatory infertility

6. Selenium

One of the key nutrients tied to fertility boosts is selenium. Selenium is an antioxidant that helps protect the body's cells from damage caused by free radicals. Research suggests that selenium may support female fertility by promoting healthy ovarian function and improving the quality of eggs.

Selenium can improve fertility outcomes in women and can be beneficial for women with a condition called polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), which can negatively affect fertility. 

Sea moss is a good dietary source of selenium, as well as other micronutrients that are important for reproductive health. Regular consumption of sea moss or other selenium-rich foods can help to ensure that the body has adequate levels of selenium to support healthy fertility.

Male fertility

The sea moss and fertility claims related to male fertility are similar to the ones in female fertility. This red seaweed contains zinc, which has been studied for its ability to increase sperm count and is considered an essential nutrient when it comes to boosting fertility. 

Additionally, vitamin C helps to protect sperm cells from damage caused by oxidative stress, improve sperm quality, and possibly even increase sperm count. And, if that wasn’t enough, both zinc and selenium have been linked to an increase in testosterone levels which can also boost fertility in men. 

Fun fact: did you know that sea moss has been used as a male aphrodisiac in the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean islands since ancient times because people believed that it could increase libido?

Let’s rip the band-aid off: Does sea moss help with fertility or not?

Yes and no. Confusing, right? The algae’s fertility benefits come from its many nutrients that have been proven to boost fertility in women and men, however, this doesn’t mean that just taking sea moss will help you in babymaking. 

Yes, sea moss supplements can help you with your iron intake as well as with folate, selenium, vitamins C and E, iodine, and more, but you have to bear in mind that each body’s need is different. So, for example, the levels of each nutrient in sea moss may be too much or too little for your body to take advantage of them. 

So, while Irish sea moss has amazing benefits linked to fertility, you still have to consult your doctor before including it and it can’t be considered a replacement for other fertility treatments. 

Of course, this doesn’t mean that the sea moss benefits should be ignored! This amazing supplement has many benefits that can help you keep a healthy body, just don’t take it as a fertility miracle. 

And, what about sea moss and pregnancy?

If you are expecting, it's only natural to be concerned about the safety of everything you put in your body, including sea moss. The good news is that, when consumed in moderation and from trusted sources, sea moss is considered safe for pregnant women. In fact, it's an excellent source of iodine, which is essential for the healthy development of your baby's brain and nervous system. Plus, it's packed with other vital nutrients like iron and folate. 

Just like with any food during pregnancy, be mindful of where you source your sea moss from and consume it in moderation to reap its many benefits without overdoing it. With this sea moss on your side, you're sure to have a smooth sail through pregnancy!

Where to find the best sea moss for pregnancy and fertility

If you’re dying to include sea moss in your diet while pregnant or to boost fertility *and only if you already consulted with your doctor*, in BioVitalica you can find high-quality sea moss supplements in many different forms: 

• Sea moss capsules provide an easy way to get your daily dose of sea moss without having to prepare or cook the seaweed.
• Raw sea moss comes in a flake form. This type of sea moss requires preparation before consumption as it must be soaked for several hours to soften it up before adding it to smoothies or other recipes.
• Sea moss gummies are another easy and delicious way to get your daily dose of sea moss! These chewy gummies contain an abundance of essential minerals and vitamins that the body needs for optimal well-being. Plus, they taste delicious!
• Finally, sea moss gel is a thick concentrated form of sea moss made by boiling down the seaweed until it takes on a jelly-like texture. It can be incorporated into smoothies or added to other dishes for additional flavor and nutrition benefits.

So, visit our website and start enjoying the health benefits of sea moss today!