Irish Moss (Chondrus crispus) / Carrageenan

Irish moss is a red seaweed containing carrageenan — a mucilaginous polysaccharide used as a food thickener. Marketed as a 'sea moss' superfood (92 of 102 essential minerals — this claim is unverified). Contains iodine, zinc, and sulfated polysaccharides. The carrageenan controversy: degraded carrageenan (poligeenan) causes intestinal inflammation; food-grade carrageenan's safety is debated but FDA GRAS. Whole sea moss ≠ extracted carrageenan. Limited clinical data for supplemental Irish moss beyond mineral/iodine content. --- *Reviewed by the Dose AI Research Team and Clinical Advisory Board* *Last updated: 2026-04-06*