Sea Moss For Fertility In Men And Women: Does It Help?

Sea moss has been renowned for its abundant nutrients that enhance health, boost the immune system, aid digestion, and support thyroid functions. Moreover, sea moss is a valuable natural remedy for improving reproductive function. This article will delve into its mechanisms, necessary dosage, and considerations for effectively using sea moss for fertility.

What is Sea Moss?

Sea moss, scientifically known as Chondrus crispus, is a red algae commonly found in the North Atlantic Ocean.

It has gained popularity for containing up to 92 of the 102 essential minerals the body needs. It is rich in nutrients and vitamins, and its high carrageenan content makes it helpful in preparing foods like smoothies, ice cream, baked goods, etc.

Sea moss is considered a natural source of folic acid with antioxidant and antibacterial properties. It became trendy during the Covid-19 pandemic for its immune-boosting and overall health benefits.

What do People in the Caribbean say about Sea Moss for Fertility?

In the Caribbean, sea moss is believed to benefit reproductive health for both men and women. Locals use sea moss as a natural enhancer for male libido by regulating testosterone levels, sperm count, and quality, which in turn is thought to improve female fertility and promote reproduction.

Does Sea Moss Benefit for Fertility?

As mentioned, the answer is yes. Sea moss provides essential nutrients and affects reproductive functions in both men and women in various ways. The following details include the mechanisms and research related to sea moss's reproductive benefits:

Sea Moss for Fertility in Men

There is a differing view from the Caribbean claims regarding sea moss and male reproductive function. While sea moss may improve reproductive health in men, it does not increase testosterone levels, and high testosterone does not necessarily equate to higher fertility.

There is no scientific evidence that sea moss raises testosterone levels. Although testosterone is essential for sperm production, fertilization, and pregnancy, sperm quality and quantity are the critical factors for increasing female fertility, not testosterone levels.

However, sea moss is considered beneficial for male sexual health due to its high nutrient content, contributing to a healthy diet and reducing issues leading to infertility, such as zinc deficiency.

USDA Food Data Central states that 100 grams of sea moss contains 1.95 mg of zinc. Zinc levels in plasma are crucial for normal sperm function and fertility. A 2020 study indicated that zinc deficiency could lead to male infertility [1].

Sea moss also contains relatively high levels of iron compared to other foods. Iron is essential for oxygen transport in the blood, boosting energy, reducing fatigue, and enhancing libido.

Sea Moss for Fertility in Women

Like men, sea moss benefits female reproductive health by providing essential nutrients such as folic acid, iron, zinc, and iodine.

According to the Mayo Clinic, women planning or wishing to become pregnant should take 400 to 1000 mcg of folic acid daily [2]. Each 100-gram serving of sea moss contains 182 mcg of folate (a synthetic form of folic acid), nearly half the recommended amount.

A 2012 study highlighted that folic acid is recommended for women of reproductive age to reduce congenital disabilities, regulate hormone levels, and reduce irregular ovulation and menstruation, which may improve pregnancy rates [3].

Sea moss also decreases iron deficiency, which can disrupt the body's ovulation process. In 100 grams of sea moss, there is 8.9 mg of iron, an essential nutrient for reducing infertility caused by ovulatory disorders, in a study involving 438 women [4].

The zinc in sea moss is vital for egg quality in women. Zinc helps regulate menstrual cycles, nourish and mature eggs, and promote ovulation. Zinc deficiency disrupts egg maturation and reduces egg quality [5].

Lastly, sea moss provides iodine. Iodine deficiency in the thyroid can disrupt menstrual cycles and directly affect ovulation.

How to Incorporate Sea Moss into Diet for Fertility

Sea moss is beneficial for reproductive health, but experts have yet to define specific dosage recommendations for practical use precisely.

You should consume 4-8 grams of sea moss daily for overall health. For those aiming to improve fertility, consult a doctor or healthcare professional.

Sea moss can be versatile in meals; here are some suggested recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks:

• Breakfast: Sea moss fried eggs with a sandwich and fresh pomegranate juice.
• Lunch: A light salad combining sea moss with fresh vegetables, mixed with sweet and sour vinegar.
• Dinner: End the day with a sea moss dish with lean proteins and olives.
• Snacks: Energy bars combining oats, nuts, granola, honey, and sea moss.
• Drinks: Blend berries with yogurt and sea moss, then top with granola, almonds, or chia seeds.

Conclusion

In summary, sea moss does impact reproductive health in both men and women, but not through hormonal changes; rather, it supplements nutrients to improve this function in the body gradually. Further research is needed on dosage and usage for optimal results. If you wish to incorporate this into your diet to boost fertility, consult a healthcare provider.