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Sea Moss vs. Seaweed: What’s the Difference?

Seaweed supplements are making waves in the health world, with sea moss (Irish moss) and brown seaweeds (such as Undaria pinnatifida) often in the spotlight. The primary difference between sea moss and Undaria seaweed lies in their species, nutritional profile, and, importantly, their health benefits. This article delves into the six key points of difference between Irish moss (Chondrus crispus) and Undaria seaweed spore (mekabu) found in SeaQuo® Immune capsules.

1.    Species and Origin

  • Sea moss is a red algae: All sea mosses are types of red seaweed classified as Rhodophytes, one of the largest groups of algae. The earliest references regarding the utilisation of Irish moss come from people living along the northeastern coastline of the Atlantic Ocean, where the alga has been collected for centuries as food and medicine.[1] Historically, it has been used in various cultures for its nutritional value and medicinal properties.
  • Undaria pinnatifida is a brown seaweed native to the cold waters of the northwest Pacific (Japan, Korea). It is now harvested globally, including in Australia. The Undaria seaweed spore (mekabu) found in SeaQuo® Immune is hand-harvested from Tasmania’s pristine waters. Our seaweed: your questions answered dives into more details on the careful harvesting process.

2.    Key Nutritional Differences

  • Sea moss is rich in a variety of minerals, including iodine, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and vitamins A, C, and E. It is particularly noted for its mucilaginous (gel-like) content, called carrageenan; this polysaccharide acts as a natural thickening agent and is used in many food products.[2] This mucilaginous texture has been used for its soothing effect on mucus membranes of the digestive tract, potentially alleviating issues such as gastritis and ulcers.[3] However, while beneficial, the scientific evidence supporting its health claims is still emerging and not as substantial as the evidence for Undaria.
  • Brown seaweed (such as Undaria) also provides naturally occurring essential minerals, including iodine, calcium, potassium, magnesium, and vitamins C, E and B3. 

3.    Fucoidan Content of Brown Seaweed vs. Sea Moss

The biggest nutritional differentiator between sea moss and brown seaweeds is the fucoidan content. Brown seaweeds, such as Undaria pinnatifida, contain fucoidan which is a bioactive compound with anti-inflammatory, immune-modulating and beneficial gut and skin properties.[4] This compound has been extensively studied for its potential to improve the immune system[5], reduce inflammation, and even support the gut microbiome​.[6] Sea moss does not contain fucoidan, making this a unique, standout benefit for selecting Undaria seaweed and other brown seaweed​ supplements.

 

 

4.    Key Health Applications of Seaweed Supplements

Sea moss is often used to support digestive wellness. Undaria seaweed is primarily recognised for its immune-boosting properties, anti-inflammatory effects, and role in promoting gut health through its fucoidan content​, making it the ideal supplement if you want to improve overall health and wellness, particularly gut, skin and immune health.

While years of research has been conducted on the compounds and actions of Undaria, multiple human clinical trials are needed to further uncover the full range of health benefits that seaweed supplements can offer.

5.    Culinary Uses of Sea Moss and Wakame/Mekabu

  • Sea moss: Often used in smoothies, gels, or supplements, it has a mild taste and is prized for its thickening properties in food and beverages.
  • Undaria pinnatifida (wakame/mekabu): Contrary to wakame (the leaves of Undaria pinnatifida), SeaQuo® Immune capsules contain mekabu, which is the ruffled-shaped spore located at the base of the Undaria This part of the plant contains the highest concentration of fucoidan, which is known for its medicinal and therapeutic benefits and is why this part of the plant is used in capsules. However, the wakame leaves are commonly used in soups (such as miso) and salads, and as a garnish - it has a subtle, slightly sweet flavour.
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6.    Harvesting Seaweed for Supplements: Is It Sustainable?

  • Sea moss is often harvested from the wild. It grows abundantly in the wild, and if managed properly, it can be harvested without significant environmental impact. However, overharvesting and habitat disruption pose risks, so it is crucial to source Irish moss from suppliers committed to sustainable practices.
  • Likewise, fucoidan-rich Undaria pinnatifida seaweed, found along Tasmania’s east coast, is a rapidly renewable resource that grows abundantly in the wild. When sourced responsibly through hand-harvesting, it can be collected without environmental impact. However, sustainable practices are essential to ensure that the timing of the harvesting does not encourage any environmental disruption, making it necessary to choose suppliers who prioritise responsible harvesting methods. More on How to Select a High-Quality Natural Health Supplement here.

Selecting a Seaweed Supplement 

Sea moss and brown seaweed offer health benefits with varying degrees in scientific evidence and come from rich traditions. Irish moss is particularly noted for its nutrient density and soothing properties, making it a popular choice for its soothing action. Brown seaweed, with its high fucoidan content and immune benefits, presents a compelling option for those looking to support immune health and overall well-being.

While both Irish moss and Undaria offer health benefits, the scientific evidence for Undaria is more extensive and robust. By understanding the unique attributes of Irish moss and brown seaweed, you can better tailor your supplement choices to align with your personal health goals.

 

References:

[1]Jonas Collén, M. Lynn Cornish, James Craigie, Elizabeth Ficko-Blean, Cécile Hervé, Stacy A. Krueger-Hadfield, Catherine Leblanc, Gurvan Michel, Philippe Potin, Thierry Tonon, Catherine Boyen, Chapter Three - Chondrus crispus – A Present and Historical Model Organism for Red Seaweeds, Editor(s): Nathalie Bourgougnon,

Advances in Botanical Research, Academic Press, Volume 71, 2014, Pages 53-89, ISSN 0065-2296, ISBN 9780124080621, https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-408062-1.00003-2. (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780124080621000032) accessed 22/9/2024

[2] Borg M., Krueger-Hadfield S.A., Destombe C., Collén J., Lipinska A., Coelho S.M. Red macroalgae in the genomic era. New Phytol. 2023;240:471–488. doi: 10.1111/nph.19211. https://nph.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/nph.19211 accessed 22/9/2024

[3] Park SJ, Sharma A, Lee HJ. An Update on the Chemical Constituents and Biological Properties of Selected Species of an Underpinned Genus of Red Algae: Chondrus. Mar Drugs. 2024 Jan 17;22(1):47. doi: 10.3390/md22010047. PMID: 38248672; PMCID: PMC10817618. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10817618/#B23 accessed 22/9/2024

[4] Janapatla, R.P., Dudek, A., Chen, CL. et al. Marine prebiotics mediate decolonization of Pseudomonas aeruginosa from gut by inhibiting secreted virulence factor interactions with mucins and enriching Bacteroides population. J Biomed Sci 30, 9 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12929-023-00902-w

[5] Lee HH, Cho YJ, Yu D, et al. Undaria pinnatifida Fucoidan-Rich Extract Induces Both Innate and Adaptive Immune Responses. Natural Product Communications. 2019;14(8). doi:10.1177/1934578X19873724

[6] Yang JY, Lim SY. Fucoidans and Bowel Health. Mar Drugs. 2021 Jul 30;19(8):436. doi: 10.3390/md19080436. PMID: 34436275; PMCID: PMC8401300.

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