What Minerals Are Found in Sea Moss?

Sea moss, also known as Irish moss, is a species of red algae that grows abundantly along the rocky parts of the Atlantic coastlines of Europe and North America. This aquatic superfood has gained immense popularity in recent years, being revered for its rich and diverse nutritional profile that is believed to comprise numerous vitamins, antioxidants, and other essential nutrients. 

This plant has been reputed to be exceptionally beneficial for human health, as sea moss contains 92 of 102 minerals crucial for maintaining optimum health and wellness. 

This article describes the irish sea moss 92 minerals list and vitamins this plant contains, exploring the myriad of health benefits attributed to each mineral. We will provide a comprehensive overview for those looking to understand the full nutritional spectrum of this marine marvel.

Sea Moss Vitamins And Minerals: The Full Guide

What Are The 92 Minerals In Sea Moss We Can Find?

Before we talk about sea moss mineral content, it’s crucial to state the health benefits of this marine plant. This brown seaweed is an essential herb for your thyroid: due to its high levels of iodine, it nourishes thyroid glands to produce hormones. They play a crucial role in regulating metabolism and overall health. 

So, how many nutrients does sea moss have? 

The US Department of Agriculture [1] states that 10 g of sea moss contains 12 minerals in significant amounts. These are:

1. Iodine: 47 µg (micrograms)
2. Phosphorus: 15.7 mg
3. Magnesium: 14.4 mg
4. Calcium: 7.2 mg
5. Sodium: 6.7 mg
6. Potassium: 6.3 mg
7. Iron: 0.89 mg
8. Zinc: 0.195 mg 
9. Selenium: 0.07 µg (micrograms)
10. Manganese: 0.037 mg
11. Copper: 0.02 mg
12. Sulfur: N/A

What are the sea moss minerals benefits? 

As mentioned above, sea moss is packed with iodine [2], which targets several health issues, including iodine deficiency, thyroid function, regulating metabolism, and promoting overall hormonal balance in the body. Phosphorus, contained in sea moss, is vital for bone and teeth health, as well as for energy metabolism and cell structure. Magnesium is involved in hundreds of biochemical reactions in the body, including muscle and nerve function, blood glucose control, and bone health. Calcium is critical for a strong skeletal system, as well as for teeth, muscle function, blood clotting, and nerve transmission. Sodium is an electrolyte that helps regulate fluid balance and nerve function. Potassium is essential for maintaining proper muscle and nerve function, as well as for balancing fluids in the body.

Among minerals listed above, sea moss may contain small amounts of the following 80 minerals and elements:

What Vitamins Are In Sea Moss?

Sea moss, this red seaweed, is a highly nutritious marine algae. Among the minerals we’ve already listed, this plant is brimming with a rich array of vitamins vital for the human body to function optimally. Sea moss's vitamin-rich composition receives its status as a superfood, acting as a natural supplement that can cater to a spectrum of nutritional needs. Its diverse vitamin profile supports numerous physiological functions, including cellular energy production, bone health, immune system function, and maintaining skin health and integrity. 

The list of vitamins contained in sea moss:

1. Vitamin A: Essential for healthy vision, immune system function, and healthy skin [3].

2. Vitamin B Complex:

• B1 (Thiamine): Vital for energy metabolism and nerve function.
• B2 (Riboflavin): Promotes energy production and cellular function.
• B3 (Niacin): Important for DNA repair, metabolism, and maintaining skin health.
• B5 (Pantothenic Acid): Involved in the synthesis of fatty acids.
• B6 (Pyridoxine): Essential in amino acid metabolism.
• B9 (Folate): Helps with DNA synthesis and repair.
• B12 (Cobalamin): Good for the production of red blood cells and neurological function. Also helps maintain gut health.

3. Vitamin C: A powerful antioxidant crucial for the synthesis of collagen, absorption of iron, immune system function, and maintenance of skin integrity.

4. Vitamin D: Important for calcium absorption and bone health.

5. Vitamin E: Acts as an antioxidant, helping to protect cells from damage.

6. Vitamin K: Essential vitamin for blood clotting and bone metabolism.

What Are the Top 10 Minerals of Sea Moss?

How many minerals and vitamins does sea moss have? We have already discovered that sea moss contains 92 of 102 essential minerals. However, the following 10 are presented in significant volume. Let’s discuss each of them, exploring what impact they have on our health.

Iodine

This trace element, although required in minute quantities, orchestrates a myriad of biological functions vital for maintaining life and overall well-being. First off, iodine is fundamentally integral to thyroid health. It is a crucial component of thyroid hormones, thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which are paramount in regulating the body's metabolic rate. These hormones influence various physiological processes, including energy production, heat generation, and numerous other reactions that sustain life [4].

The role of iodine in growth and development is also significant. It is especially vital during pregnancy and infancy, where adequate levels are required to ensure the proper development of the baby's brain, nervous system, and overall cognitive function. Iodine deficiency during these stages can lead to developmental delays and intellectual disabilities.

Phosphorus

It is the second most plentiful mineral in the body and is a constituent of every living cell, essential to the structure and function of our bodies. The role of phosphorus is in maintaining cellular structure by forming cell membranes with  components of phospholipids, crucial for the cell's integrity and function. Phosphorus also participates in cell division and growth, ensuring the proper development and repair of tissues.

Phosphorus is a key player in the formation and maintenance of healthy bones and teeth. It works in tandem with calcium (which is also contained in sea moss) to fortify bone structure, aiding in the development and repair of bones and teeth. An optimal phosphorus level is paramount in preventing bone-related ailments such as osteoporosis and rickets.

Magnesium

Magnesium is the mineral that is integral to over 300 enzymatic reactions within the body [5], impacting numerous physiological processes ranging from energy metabolism to neuromuscular function. It is fundamental to proper muscle and nerve function first of all. Magnesium regulates muscle contraction and relaxation and helps in transmitting nerve impulses throughout the body, thus helping in the prevention of muscle cramps, spasms, and weakness.

For a healthy skeletal system, magnesium aids in the formation of bone structure and enhances bone density. A sufficient magnesium level is crucial to mitigate the risk of bone fractures and osteoporosis and is foundational to maintaining strong and healthy bones. 

Calcium

Calcium is widely acclaimed for its pivotal role in bone health. Calcium is synonymous with the fortification of bones and teeth. It is the principal component of our skeletal system, providing structure and strength. Calcium maintains our bone density, reducing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures, particularly in older adults.

Beyond this, calcium is a mineral that also plays a vital role in other bodily functions. For example, calcium’s role in blood clotting is vital. It helps with a range of events that lead to the formation of blood clots, a necessary process to prevent excessive bleeding when the body is injured, thus playing a key role in wound healing. 

Calcium also contributes to cardiovascular health. It maintains the integrity of blood vessels and regulates blood pressure levels.

Sodium

One of the primary roles of sodium is to maintain fluid balance within and outside the cells. It regulates blood volume and blood pressure, while preventing dehydration, and ensuring that the body’s fluids are balanced and maintained at optimum levels.

Sodium is crucial for the proper functioning of the nervous system, too. It is involved in the generation and transmission of nerve impulses or action potentials. It enables effective communication between nerve cells and the transmission of signals to muscles and other organs, facilitating coordinated responses to stimuli.

Potassium

Potassium helps maintain fluid and electrolyte balance within the body. It regulates the balance of fluids inside and outside of cells, tissues, and organs, ensuring proper hydration and supporting overall cellular function.

Our cardiovascular system also requires potassium to function properly. It helps regulate blood pressure by balancing the effects of sodium, thus reducing the risk of hypertension and stroke. Maintaining adequate levels of potassium is crucial for heart health and the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

Iron

Iron is the principal component of hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. It enables the effective transport of oxygen, a process pivotal for sustaining life and maintaining overall health and energy levels.

Zink

One of zinc’s most profound roles is its contribution to immune system functionality. It helps with the development and function of immune cells such as neutrophils and natural killer cells, strengthening the body's defense mechanisms against infections, bacteria, and viruses.

Selenium

This mineral stands out for its potent antioxidant properties. It is involved in the formation of selenoproteins, which act as antioxidant enzymes. This activity helps protect the body’s cells from oxidative damage and inflammation, reducing the risk of chronic conditions.

Manganese

Much like calcium, manganese helps maintain proper bone health. It aids in the formation of bone and is essential for bone mineral density, contributing to a strong and healthy skeletal system. Its significance is particularly noted in the prevention of osteoporosis and other bone-related disorders.

Can You Take Sea Moss and Multivitamin Together?

To answer this question, you need to find out what your nutritional needs are. Taking sea moss along with multivitamins is generally considered safe for most people, as sea moss is a natural food source that is rich in vitamins and minerals, and it's typically mild and well-tolerated. However, it’s crucial to consider nutrient overlap and individual health needs. If you are sure you are not exceeding the daily required amount of vitamins, minerals and other compounds, taking sea moss with other multivitamins won’t be an issue. 

Some people also wonder: “Can sea moss replace multivitamins?” In some cases, yes. As seen from this article, sea moss is a nutrient-dense superfood, packed with a plethora of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it a valuable addition to a balanced diet. However, whether it can replace multivitamins depends on individual nutritional needs, dietary patterns, and health conditions.

Drawing the Line

Sea moss emerges as a powerhouse of nutrition, brimming with essential minerals and vitamins vital for the optimal functioning of the human body. From iodine, which is crucial for thyroid health, to calcium, indispensable for bone strength, the minerals found in sea moss contribute to various physiological processes and overall well-being. It has rightfully earned its status as a superfood, offering a blend of nutrients that bolster health and vitality.  Its holistic incorporation into diets can serve as a stepping stone towards embracing a lifestyle marked by nutritional awareness, balance, and wellness.

Why Choose Sea Moss?

For those seeking to harness the full spectrum of essential compounds in sea moss, our range of sea moss nutritional supplements is meticulously curated to provide the utmost in quality, purity, and efficacy. Traditional capsules, fun & tasty chewable gummies and go-to tinctures can be easily incorporated into your daily life to supplement your self-care regimen!

Sea Moss, Burdock and Bladderwrack Capsules

Sea Moss Gummies

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the 10 minerals missing from sea moss?

The fact that raw sea moss comprises 92 of the 102 essential minerals our body needs is not solidly backed-up by science. It also appears to be a significant misinterpretation between elements and minerals. The periodic table originally presented 102 elements, however additional elements have been discovered since then, with 118 recognized elements as of 2022. Crucially, not all of these elements qualify as minerals, and not all are indispensable for bodily functions. 

Nonetheless, from a nutritional standpoint, the emphasis is somewhat different. The pivotal aspect is that sea moss is indeed a rich source of numerous vital minerals that the human body necessitates, and it provides them in significant quantities! The specific count of elements it contains becomes secondary to the acknowledged nutritional wealth it offers.

2. Does sea moss have enough minerals to have an impact on health? 

Yes, sea moss does contain significant amounts of various essential minerals that can positively impact health. It is rich in nutrients like iodine, phosphorus, iron, and magnesium, each contributing to different aspects of bodily function and well-being.

• How much iodine is in sea moss? 47 µg (micrograms) per 10 g serving. Crucial for thyroid function, which regulates metabolism.
• How much phosphorus is in sea moss? 15.7 mg per 10 g serving. Vital for bones and teeth.
• How much iron is in sea moss? 0.89 mg per 10 g serving. Fundamental for transporting oxygen in the blood.
• How much magnesium is in sea moss? 0.037 mg per 10 g serving. Essential for muscle and nerve function and energy production.

3. Does sea moss have magnesium?

Yes, sea moss does contain magnesium. This is an essential mineral vital for many biological functions and processes within the body, including muscle and nerve function, energy production, and the structural development of bone.

4. Does sea moss have vitamin D?

Sea moss contains vitamin D, but in trace amounts.

5. Does sea moss have B12?

As with vitamin D, sea moss contains vitamin B-12, but in trace amounts.

6. Does sea moss have zinc?

Yes, sea moss does contain zinc. It is an essential mineral that is pivotal for immune system function, wound healing, DNA synthesis, and cellular metabolism. 

Resources:

1. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/168456/nutrients
2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25006699/
3. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminA-Consumer/#:~:text=Vitamin%20A%20is%20important%20for,fruits%20and%20vegetables%20their%20color.
4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18279014/
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5926493/