Last Updated on September 24, 2021
With the prevalence of infertility being a common diagnosis in both men and women, it’s no surprise that the industry backing infertility treatments and cure-alls are booming.
From in vitro fertilization and insemination, to pharmaceuticals, dietary implementations, and supplementation, the apparent remedies, treatments, and cures for infertility in both men and women seem endless.
However, what claims are true and backed by science, and what ones are lacking, backed only by profits and false hope?
Because so many are in search of the next best solution, hoping for a magical cure-all and willing to try anything if it means even the slightest chance at conceiving, some products and treatments tend to be overhyped, with little or no evidence to back its claims.
Sea moss just happens to be one of those products. So, does it live up to the hype? While it certainly boasts some promising nutritional benefits, treating infertility might just be one claim too large.
It’s time to get to the bottom of it…
Contents
What is Sea Moss?
Sea moss, most commonly consumed in supplement form in the western world though also used in cultural foods and drinks as a thickening agent, is a bacterial alga offering sexual enhancement benefits, apparent fertility claims, and other nutritional properties.
At its most basic, sea moss is simply a strand of seaweed found in several regions of the world and is most commonly known as an aphrodisiac. Because of its general association to sexual enrichment and abundant claims backing sexual performance, sea moss is also naively thought to be of benefit to those suffering from infertility.
Whether or not these claims are valid, however, is still up for discussion.
Sea Moss and Fertility: Are the Claims True?
As we’ve already discussed, sea moss has powerful claims behind the treatment of infertility among men and women alike. In addition, its claims extend to improving sexual improvement and heightening arousal due to its aphrodisiac properties.
To be more specific, because sea moss is largely used in the Caribbean as a male enhancement product, it’s also associated with testosterone improvements and sperm development.
Outside of its abundant claims for sex, sea moss is also thought to be nutrient-dense in its makeup. While the sexual claims behind sea moss have yet to be conclusively researched, there’s no doubt that it’s packed with nutritional value.
Rich in calcium, vitamin B complex, zinc, and other powerhouse micronutrients, sea moss is undoubtedly a nutritional powerhouse. Whether or not these nutrients aid in troubled pregnancies and infertility in women, however, are yet to be seen.
Summary of the Abundant Claims of Sea Moss for Infertility
- Strengthens the Immune System
- Improves Digestion
- May Support General Health of the Heart
- Reduces Male & Female Infertility
- Boosts Libido & Sex Drive
- Enhances Sexual Performance
While some of the benefits of sea moss are promising, more research needs to be done on the subject in order to conclusively associate it with any definitive improvements.
Moreover, it’s important to note that while there has been some minor research done on sea moss and its benefits, the strong majority of it was done on lab animals, not humans.
As such, the data that does act as evidence needs to be taken with a grain of salt. While anecdotal and animal-studied evidence is certainly the first step, it’s far from the last. More research needs to be done before even considering sea moss as a potential cure for infertility.
Sea Moss and Fertility: What Does the Research Say?
The fact of the matter is that the body of “evidence” showing the benefits of sea moss is largely anecdotal. And if it’s not anecdotal, it’s only been shown through animal studies the apparent and potential benefits we as humans may or may not experience when supplementing with sea moss.
Does it boost testosterone in men? The research is nil.
Does it improve sperm count in men? The research is nil.
Does it aid, in any way, a reduction of infertility in men or women? The research is nil.
The underlying takeaway when it comes to sea moss is that it can be a great addition to a nutritious and healthy diet. But that’s it.
While there is no harm, generally speaking, in consuming sea moss, and in fact, if anything it may be a healthy addition, it does not have any merit behind the cure or treatment of infertility or any other sexual enhancement for that matter.
Final Thoughts
The buzz surrounding sea moss and other holistic remedies of infertility is undoubtedly overhyped. While sea moss certainly provides general health benefits due to its nutritional profile, it should not be consumed with the primary intention of curing infertility.
As a final thought, although sea moss is safe to consume in small quantities (generally speaking), it’s important to also monitor how much you’re consuming. Because this product, especially in supplement form, isn’t yet regulated by the FDA, it’s imperative to proceed with caution.
If you have any cause for concern, consult with a certified nutritionist, or even better, a fertility specialist before consuming sea moss.
If you’re struggling with infertility, know that you’re not alone. With millions suffering from this unfortunate circumstance annually, a need and desire for a solution is necessary. With that said, sea moss isn’t it.
In contrast, there are other, more reliable methods of resolution when it comes to male and female infertility. From prenatal vitamins like co-enzyme Q-10 to more medically-induced treatments like in-vitro fertilization and insemination, there’s no reason to run the risk of uncertainty with sea moss.
In conclusion, while infertility can be a tough pill to swallow, it’s important to continue following the advice of a professional and avoid taking matters into your own hands with unstudied alternatives that have little efficacy or evidence to back it.
Moreover, depending on your age and health status, infertility may simply be a risk factor of a greater circumstance. As we all know, age and health status play a major role in our sexual health.
With that said, if you’re of older age, finding peace with infertility may be your only option. Moreover, if you’re of unwell health status, lifestyle changes are likely the first line of defense against fighting symptoms of infertility.
Stay safe, stay healthy, and stay vigilant.
References
Can Sea Moss Help You Get Pregnant?
Irish Moss: Health Benefits, Nutrition, and Uses
Algae as nutritional and functional food sources: revisiting our understanding
Sea Moss: What Does Science Say About This Declared Superfood?