Is Sea Moss Allergy Possible? Sea Moss Allergy Symptoms

FACT CHECKED

Updated 11 November 2023 | Published 11 November 2023

Reviewed by registered dietitian nutritionist Mariya Pastukhova, bachelor of science in nutrition and dietetics, New York, US

I
rish sea moss is a buzzworthy species of Red algae that we — and many other specialists in the industry — dare to claim as a superfood. Its nutritional content is astonishing with an abundance of minerals, fatty and amino acids, and many micronutrients that are crucial for the proper work of the human body.

And while this seaweed is pretty much hypoallergenic, some people might have an intolerance to sea moss content. In this article, we cover the topic of sea moss allergy, essential to learn before beginning your commitment to the marine superfood.

Can you have an allergic reaction to sea moss?

More than 100 million people(1) in the United States are allergic to something. There are people allergic to water, sunlight, and even to freeze. The answer to the initial question about Irish moss allergy possibility is yes — people allergic to seaweed(6) should avoid Irish moss.

And even if you are not allergic to seaweed, you should be aware of sea moss nutritional content that can cause an allergic reaction to sea moss:

• Carrageenan. Carrageenan is a unique substance derived from Red algae. It is a natural thickening agent used in many industries, from culinary to cosmetics. However, some people in the US experienced an allergic reaction to carrageenan — precisely to pseudo-latex(2).
• Trace minerals. Not all minerals in sea moss can cause allergies, but some people, even though at a very low probability, might have intolerance to iron, copper, or magnesium(3) contained in Irish sea moss(8).
• Omega fatty acids. Omega-3 or Fish oil allergy is also a case. Like many algae, Irish sea moss contains Omega fatty acids, essential for human health, but unsafe for people with seafood allergies(4).

Knowing these several potential allergens of the alga you can turn to an allergist and get assisted in diagnosing allergies for the above-described nutrients.

What are sea moss allergy symptoms?

As the Red alga species is a complex superfood, it’s impossible to know the precise sea moss allergy symptoms for everyone. However, taking into account the possible allergy to minerals, carrageenan, and fish oil, some common symptoms are:

• Headache
• Rash and itching
• Nausea and vomiting
• Stomach pain, diarrhea
• Asthma

It is important to consult with your healthcare provider before you start taking sea moss. Seek professional help if you have one of those symptoms:

• Very low blood pressure
• Shock
• Dizziness, faint
• Difficulty breathing

Overall, these allergies are very seldom met. Usually, people who are allergic to trace minerals, seafood, and pseudo-latex are very rare and unaware of them being intolerant to these elements.

Is seafood allergy the same as sea moss allergy?

First and foremost, no. An allergy to seafood or shellfish is an immune system’s response to tropomyosine(5) — a protein found in shellfish muscles. Tropomyosine is not found in Red algae, and therefore it is safe to be consumed for people allergic to seafood.

Who shouldn’t consume sea moss?

Let’s assemble a list of those who should avoid Irish sea moss or consume it very carefully in small amounts.

• People allergic to seaweed and edible alga
• People allergic to iron, copper, and magnesium
• People allergic to Fish oil (Omega-3)
• People intolerant to arginine amino acid(7)

If you are looking to start taking the beneficial marine superfood, be sure to get these allergies diagnosed if you have cases related to intolerance for one of the above-described.

Bottom line

Irish sea moss (Chondrus crispus) is a species of Red algae that is crowded with an astounding amount of micronutrients, among which are amino and fatty acids, trace minerals, antioxidants, and more. However, some people might be allergic to seaweed, sea moss iron, copper, and magnesium, as well as fatty acids, and its unique carrageenan. These allergies can be diagnosed by a professional. 

True Sea Moss products do not contain artificial additives, you can be sure that commitment to our beneficial sea moss gels and gummies will only bring advantages. Visit our shop and find more useful articles to read about sea moss!

References

1. Diagnosed Allergic Conditions in Adults: United States, 2021 Personal Author(s) : Ng, Amanda E.;Boersma, Peter; Corporate Authors(s) : National Center for Health Statistics (U.S.) Published Date : 01/26/2023 Series : NCHS data brief ; no. 460 URL : https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/122809

2. Tarlo, S. M., Dolovich, J., & Listgarten, C. (1995). Anaphylaxis to carrageenan: A pseudo–latex allergy. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 95(5), 933-936. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0091-6749(95)70091-9

3. Mao, S., Wu, L., & Shi, W. (2018). Association between trace elements levels and asthma susceptibility. Respiratory Medicine, 145, 110-119. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rmed.2018.10.028

4. Kmet A, Unger J, Jahangir K, Kolber MR. Fish-oil capsule ingestion: a case of recurrent anaphylaxis. Can Fam Physician. 2012 Jul;58(7):e379-81. PMID: 22798474; PMCID: PMC3395543.

5. Mikita CP, Padlan EA. Why is there a greater incidence of allergy to the tropomyosin of certain animals than to that of others? Med Hypotheses. 2007;69(5):1070-3. doi: 10.1016/j.mehy.2006.12.060. Epub 2007 May 7. PMID: 17482765.

6. James, C.A., Welham, S. & Rose, P. Edible algae allergenicity – a short report. J Appl Phycol 35, 339–352 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10811-022-02880-2

7. Maarsingh H, Zaagsma J, Meurs H. Arginine homeostasis in allergic asthma. Eur J Pharmacol. 2008 May 13;585(2-3):375-84. doi: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2008.02.096. Epub 2008 Mar 18. PMID: 18410920.

8. US Department of Agriculture. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/168456/nutrients

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