Sea moss is everywhere on TikTok yes it's natural but that doesn't mean it's safe or beneficial for all | Antiviral

"Sea moss, which is closely related to Irish moss, usually comes in a jar, costs upwards of $35, and, depending on added ingredients, can be bubblegum pink or aquamarine. Many labels describe the natural product as containing added chlorella."

"Dr Margaret Murray, the course director for Swinburne University's bachelor of nutrition, says both chlorella and sea moss are types of algae, and a lot of research has been done on algae and algal products to investigate potential human health benefits."

"A lot of this research has been conducted using cell or animal models with fewer studies using human participants, Murray says, with some of this early stage research suggesting algae may help to manage blood sugar levels or support healthy cholesterol."

Sea moss is an algae-based product marketed on social media as a health supplement, typically sold in jars for over $35 with claims of treating acne, gut issues, and providing 92 essential nutrients. Influencers promote consuming two tablespoons on an empty stomach, though many videos show reluctance to actually swallow it. Sea moss and chlorella are both algae types that have undergone research for potential health benefits. The algae products market is projected to reach A$5.2 billion by 2034. While early-stage research using cell and animal models suggests algae may help manage blood sugar and support cholesterol levels, most studies lack human participants. Animal and cell studies are poor predictors of human health impacts, and average healthy individuals are unlikely to experience significant benefits.

Read at www.theguardian.com