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Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Child Health and Human Development; 2006-.
Drug Levels and Effects
Summary of Use during Lactation
Sea moss or Irish moss (Chondrus crispus) is a type of red seaweed that is used as food and medicine, although no medicinal value has been proven. Sea moss contains carrageenan, which is used as food additive and other polysaccharides (carbohydrates). It also contains numerous minerals, including iodine and some toxic heavy metals such as arsenic, lead, cadmium and mercury that come from the water where it was grown.[1] Maternal consumption of excess iodine from seaweed has caused thyroid suppression in breastfed infants.[2-4] Sea moss should be avoided during breastfeeding unless the levels of iodine and heavy metals have been shown to be low enough to be safe.
Drug Levels
Maternal Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Infant Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Effects in Breastfed Infants
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Effects on Lactation and Breastmilk
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
References
- 1.
- López-Hortas L, Caleja C, Pinela J, et al. Comparative evaluation of physicochemical profile and bioactive properties of red edible seaweed Chondrus crispus subjected to different drying methods. Food Chem 2022;383:132450 [PubMed: 35182861]
- 2.
- Chung HR, Shin CH, Yang SW, et al. Subclinical hypothyroidism in Korean preterm infants associated with high levels of iodine in breast milk. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2009;94:4444-7 [PubMed: 19808851]
- 3.
- Emder PJ, Jack MM. Iodine-induced neonatal hypothyroidism secondary to maternal seaweed consumption: A common practice in some Asian cultures to promote breast milk supply. J Paediatr Child Health 2011;47:750-2 [PubMed: 21276114]
- 4.
- Hulse T. Transient neonatal hypothyroidism resulting from maternal ingestion of a traditional Korean seaweed soup. Horm Res Paediatr 2012;78 (Suppl 1):127-8.doi:10.1159/000343182 [CrossRef]
Substance Identification
Substance Name
Sea Moss
Scientific Name
Chondrus crispus
Disclaimer: Information presented in this database is not meant as a substitute for professional judgment. You should consult your healthcare provider for breastfeeding advice related to your particular situation. The U.S. government does not warrant or assume any liability or responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information on this Site.
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- A family case of a rare Xq28 duplication.[Vavilovskii Zhurnal Genet Sele...]A family case of a rare Xq28 duplication.Kopytova AE, Tolmacheva EN, Emelina DA, Glotov OS, Miroshnikova VV, Usenko TS, Vasilyeva OY, Makarov IV, Lobanov AD, Mazo GE, et al. Vavilovskii Zhurnal Genet Selektsii. 2025 Sep; 29(5):636-643.
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- Review [Translational medicine in Russian cardiology: a new stage or repetition of the past?].[Ter Arkh. 2016]Review [Translational medicine in Russian cardiology: a new stage or repetition of the past?].Tereshchenko SN, Zhirov IV, Kochetov AG. Ter Arkh. 2016; 88(9):5-9.
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- Sea Moss - Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®)Sea Moss - Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®)
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