Effectiveness of Sea Moss in Boosting Fertility

Sea moss is red seaweed that is scientifically known as Chondrus crispus. It is also called Iris moss.

It is found in the northern area of the Atlantic Ocean and around Caribbean Island. At some places, it is touted as an aphrodisiac for men and is also used at some places to thicken foods and drinks.

Inability to conceive is known as infertility. It is known to affect about 12 percent of women aged 15 to 44 years in the United States.⁽¹⁾ One-third of the male and female couples have difficulty in having a biological child.

Sea moss has certain claims backing it in helping end this struggle in both men and women. But, a question is still there whether or not it can really live up to the expectation.

It has certain nutritional benefits but very little evidence to back it up.

The claims around the benefits of sea moss in infertility involve both men and women.

Sea moss is used in the Caribbean, commonly as a natural sexual enhancement product for men. It is said that it increases the testosterone level and sperm count, boosting fertility.

It is claimed that the nutrient present in it particularly Iodine, B vitamins, calcium, and zinc, can speed up the process of getting pregnant in a female.

The evidence for sea moss being a male aphrodisiac is completely anecdotal.

If a few claim that eating sea moss enhances sexual desire or function in them, then probably it might be. Sex is an important way to get pregnant.

But, whether it increases the testosterone level or not have no scientific research supporting it. There is no evidence that proves sea moss increases the testosterone level. Also, higher testosterone does not equate to being more fertile.

The body does need testosterone to produce sperm, which is required to fertilize with the egg to get pregnant. An increase in testosterone circulation in the blood is not needed to produce more or better sperms. There are other hormones responsible for that.

There are nutrients present in sea moss that contribute to a healthy diet. A healthy diet can help ease issues such as metabolic syndrome and obesity that contribute to infertility in men.^(2,3)

Nutrients present in sea moss can actually help in baby-making and there are claims supporting it.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), 100 grams of sea moss has 182 micrograms of folate.⁽⁴⁾ This quantity is nearly half of the 30 mcg of the daily recommendation.

Folate supplements can be beneficial when trying to conceive. According to a study done, this nutrient has been shown to improve pregnancy rates.⁽⁵⁾

Sea moss contains Zinc that has been researched in animals for its effect in improving egg quality.⁽⁶⁾ If trying to conceive, make sure you are getting enough zinc.

Zinc and folate supplementation has also been shown to improve sperm quality in some men.⁽⁷⁾

Many sea plants contain iodine, a deficiency of which can lead to hypothyroidism that impairs fertility. There is no record of Iodine data in the USDA.

There is no direct research on whether consuming sea moss can improve fertility in women.

There is a lot of hype around the consumption of seaweed and fertility in men and women.

Sea moss does not have beneficial nutrients and therefore should be consumed with caution. It should not be consumed in large quantities as could put a person at risk of health problems.

When planning to consume any natural ingredient or supplement, it is best to consult a doctor. A healthcare advisor is the best person to point you in the right direction and that can help you select from the best options needed for you to grow your family.