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Do sea moss and carrageenan have health benefits? Are there risks?

Sea moss in a clear bowl next to a wooden spoon on the countertop

Sea moss is promoted for thyroid health, boosting immunity, improving gut health, and other uses. Find out if it works and learn about possible side effects of sea moss and its constituent, carrageenan.

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Product Review

Seaweed Snacks and Foods Review

Tests Reveal Seaweed Snack Risks

Product Review

Canned Tuna, Salmon, Sardines & Mackerel Review

Find Fish With the Least Mercury & Arsenic and Most Omega-3s

Canned Fish Review 2025

Product Review

Nutrition Bars Review (Protein, Energy, and Nut & Fruit Bars)

Our Tests Showed What's Hiding in Protein Bars

Nutrition Bars 2025 2

Product Review

Kelp Supplements Review

Choose the Best Kelp Supplement. Be Cautious With Kelp! Only 50% of Supplements Pass CL's Review.

Kelp Supplements Reviewed by ConsumerLab.com

Product Review

Bone Broth Review

Find the Best Bone Broth for Quality, Taste, and Value. Four of 10 Products Fail to Get CL Approval.

Bone Broth Review 2025

CL Answer

Himalayan and Sea Salts: Health Benefits, Toxic Metals, & Microplastics

Himalayan salt health benefits, along with other gourmet salts like Hawaiian and Mediterranean. Info including what's in them and their safety.

Himalayan Salt -- spoonful of pink Himalayan salt

Product Review

Plant-Based Milks Review (Almond, Cashew, Coconut, Flax, Hemp, Macadamia, Oat, Pea, and Soy)

Find the Best Non-Dairy Milk Alternative. ConsumerLab Tests Reveal What's Really In Plant-Based Milks.

Plant Based Milks reviewed by ConsumerLab.com

Product Review

Pumpkin Seeds (Pepitas) Review

We Identified the Best Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin Seeds Review 2024 (2)

Product Review

Joint Health Supplements for Pets Review (Glucosamine, Chondroitin, & MSM)

See Which Pet Supplements for Joint Health Passed Our Tests and Which Didn't!

Joint Supplements for Pets

CL Answer

Is it true that iodine can cause acne or other skin problems?

Information on iodine causing acne and other skin problems such as rashes and hives. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.

Iodine Causing Acne & Rashes -- box of iodized salt

Product Review

Sunflower Seeds and Butters Review

High Levels of Toxin Found in Most Sunflower Seeds and Butters

Sunflower Seeds & Butters 2024

CL Answer

Is it true that there are bits of plastic in drinking water, specialty salts, or other foods and beverages? How concerned should I be?

Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic that can end up foods and beverages. Learn about microplastics found in drinking water and specialty salts. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.

Microplastics in water, plastic bottle of water pouring water into glass

Product Review

Olive Leaf Extract Supplements Review

Learn What Olive Leaf Does and the Best Brands

Clinical Update

9/12/2023

Sea Moss

Sea moss, sometimes called Irish moss, is promoted for improving thyroid health, boosting immunity, and improving gut health, but are these uses supported by clinical evidence? Find out in our article about sea moss and its constituent carrageenan.

Product Review

Vitamin K Supplements Review (Including Calcium, Vitamin D, Magnesium & Boron)

Find Out If It's Worth Taking Vitamin K and Which Products Are Best

Vitamin K Review 2024

Clinical Update

5/21/2026

Sea Buckthorn for Vaginal Dryness?

Does taking sea buckthorn oil improve symptoms of vaginal dryness in postmenopausal women? See what research shows in the Sea Buckthorn section of our Menopause Supplements Review.

Clinical Update

11/20/2025

Thyroid Risk With Sea Moss

Be aware that sea moss supplements can contain substantial amounts of iodine, which, in excess, can pose a risk to people with certain thyroid conditions. Get the details in our article about sea moss.

Clinical Update

4/30/2026

Sea Buckthorn for Dry Eye?

Does taking sea buckthorn oil improve symptoms of dry eye? Get the details in our article about supplements for dry eye.

CL Answer

Should you take olive oil as a supplement?

Although extra virgin olive oil has many possible health benefits, such as reduced risk of heart disease and improved blood sugar control, these and other benefits have been demonstrated when olive oil replaces for saturated fats in the diet, not when taken as a supplement, as we explain.

Olive oil being poured into a spoon being held over a bowl

CL Answer

What is the difference between fish oil and krill oil? Is one better than the other?

Learn which is better for you and compare krill oil vs. fish oil, including evidence from clinical studies, EPA and DHA content, price, and side effects.

Clinical Update

5/12/2023

Don’t Brush Right After Eating

Did you know that it’s best to wait at least 30 minutes after eating to brush your teeth? You should also delay using mouthwash after brushing. Learn why in our article about toothpastes.

Also, learn if you should use toothpaste made with sea salt or hydroxyapatite.

Clinical Update

10/28/2022

Microplastics in Salt

A recent study found high concentrations of microplastics in certain sea salts. Get the details, and learn how levels vary across salts in our article about microplastics in water and salt.

Also see if popular water filter pitchers removed microplastics in our Water Filter Pitcher Review. (We’re currently testing additional pitchers, so stay tuned for more results.)

Clinical Update

5/01/2025

Toxic Heavy Metals in Salt

How much lead, cadmium, arsenic, and mercury are in popular salts, sea salts, kosher salt, and herbed salt? See what tests by an independent group found in our article about heavy metals and microplastics in salt.

Clinical Update

12/16/2020

Omega-7s to Lower Cholesterol?

Can taking sea buckthorn, a source of omega-7 fatty acids, lower cholesterol in people with high cholesterol levels? Find out what a recent study found in the Omega-7 Fatty Acids section of our Fish Oil Review. Also, see our Top Picks among fish oil supplements.

News Release

June 12, 2025

Best & Worst Canned Tuna, Salmon, Sardines & Mackerel

White Plains, NY, June 12, 2025 – High levels of mercury and/or arsenic were found in several popular brands of canned tuna and sardines recently tested by ConsumerLab.com.

News Release

April 16, 2025

Best Bone Broths? ConsumerLab Shows How Much Collagen is Really in Bone Broths

White Plains, NY, April 16, 2025 -- Bone broth can be a good source of protein, particularly collagen. However, recent tests by ConsumerLab show that collagen levels ranged from just 1 gram to 6 grams per cup and only 6 out of 10 popular bone broth products could be Approved for quality.

Recalls & Warnings

January 13, 2026

Sea Moss Gel Superfood Recalled Due to Possible Health Risk

On January 9, 2026, Diva Fam Inc.

CL Answer

What are the health benefits of coconut oil and medium chain triglycerides, such as those used in Bulletproof Coffee?

Learn the health benefits of coconut oil and medium chain triglycerides (MCTs), including evidence from Bulletproof Coffee, clinical studies on obesity, skin, and Alzheimer's disease.

Coconut Oil & MCTs -- Coconuts and coconut oil with coffee cup

CL Answer

Do plasmalogen supplements improve cognitive function and memory?

Plasmalogen supplements claim to improve cognitive function, support memory, and reduce brain fog. Find out if they work.

Hands holding puzzle in shape of head with puzzle pieces missing

CL Answer

ConsumerLab’s Review of ION* Gut Support

ConsumerLab's Review of ION Gut Support (formerly Restore), the liquid humic extract supplement derived from soil. Learn about the evidence for ION Gut Support for on digestion and gut health, reducing inflammation, and other uses, dosage, cost, and safety.

ION Gut Support 3

CL Answer

Energy Gels: What Are They Used For and Do They Contain Their Labeled Ingredients?

Energy gels are a convenient on-the-go carbohydrate source, but some products may not contain the amount of carbohydrates stated on the label.

Young woman consuming an energy gel while hiking

Recalls & Warnings

May 11, 2026

Kippered Herring Recalled Due to Botulism Risk

On May 5, 2026, Shining Sea Fish Co. recalled catch-weight packages of Ma Cohen’s Kippered Herring because they may be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium that can cause life-threatening illness or death.

News Release

August 19, 2024

High Levels of Toxin Found In Most Sunflower Seeds & Butters

White Plains, NY, August 19, 2024 —  Sunflower seeds are rich in healthy, unsaturated oils and provide significant amounts of protein, fiber, and vitamins and minerals, but ConsumerLab's recent tests found high levels of cadmium, a toxic heavy metal, in most of the sunflower seeds and sunflower ...

News Release

August 12, 2024

Too Much Vitamin D? Some Supplements Contain Much More Than Claimed, According to ConsumerLab

White Plains, NY, August 12, 2024 — Getting adequate vitamin D is important to maintaining bone and cardiovascular health, and may have other benefits. However, getting too much vitamin D can have adverse effects, including increasing the risk of fractures and falls.

News Release

July 30, 2024

ConsumerLab Tests Reveal Best Vitamin K Supplements

White Plains, NY, July 30, 2024 — Vitamin K helps with proper blood clotting as well as with calcium utilization in bones and the cardiovascular system.

News Release

March 28, 2023

Expanded Flaxseed Testing by ConsumerLab Reveals More Cadmium Contamination – Several Quality Products Also Identified

White Plains, New York, March 28, 2023 — Due to concerning levels of cadmium ConsumerLab discovered in its tests of flaxseed products in January 2023, ConsumerLab recently purchased and tested seven additional whole and ground flaxseed products.

News Release

December 16, 2022

Is Your Chocolate or Cocoa Healthful or Toxic? ConsumerLab Finds Major Differences Among Products.

White Plains, New York, December 16, 2022 — Although dark chocolate and cocoa can be good sources of potentially heart-healthy, antioxidant flavanols, they can also be contaminated with toxic heavy metals such as cadmium and lead – and consumers can’t judge products from their labels.

News Release

December 20, 2021

Dangerous Amounts of Iodine, Toxic Heavy Metals Found in Some Seaweed Snacks, According to ConsumerLab Tests

White Plains, New York, December 20, 2021 — Dried or roasted seaweed has become a popular snack, providing a tasy, crunchy, and vegan-friendly source of protein, fiber, and iodine, an essential nutrient for proper thyroid function.

News Release

July 10, 2020

Best and Worst Tuna, Salmon and Sardines? ConsumerLab Tests Reveal Amounts of Omega-3s and Toxic Heavy Metals in Canned and Packaged Fish

White Plains, New York, July 10, 2020 — Canned and packaged tuna, salmon and sardines can be an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, but some may also be contaminated with toxic heavy metals such as mercury and arsenic.

News Release

January 23, 2020

We Found the Best Dark Chocolates and Cocoas With the Least Contamination

White Plains, New York, January 23, 2020 — Dark chocolate and cocoa contain antioxidant flavanols that may be good for the heart and mind, but they can also contain high levels of the heavy metal cadmium, which is toxic to kidneys and can soften bones.

News Release

September 11, 2019

Some Nutrition Bars Contain More Carbs and Less Fiber Than Listed, ConsumerLab Tests Reveal

White Plains, New York, September 11, 2019 — Nutrition bars and cookies are promoted as a convenient way to get protein, fiber and other nutrients on-the-go, but recent ConsumerLab tests of popular nutrition bars and cookies reveal that some contain more carbohydrates (as well as fat and ...

Recalls & Warnings

April 04, 2025

Tony’s Chocolonely Dark Chocolate Bars Recalled

On April 1, 2025, Tony’s Chocolonely Inc. recalled seven lots of its Dark Chocolate Almond Sea Salt Bar and Everything Bar due to the potential presence of small stones.

Recalls & Warnings

April 16, 2026

Good Brain Tonic Recalled

On April 6, 2026, Liquid Blenz Corp. recalled Good Brain Tonic due to potential contamination with Clostridium botulinum, which can cause botulism, a potentially fatal form of food poisoning.

Recalls & Warnings

January 22, 2026

Recalled Tuna Sold at Limited Retailers After Distribution Error

On January 16, 2026, Tri-Union Seafoods warned consumers that limited quantities of Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil and Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Extra Virgin Olive Oil with Sea Salt that were recalled in February 2025 due to botulism risk were inadvertently redistributed by a ...

Recalls & Warnings

August 15, 2020

FTC Warns 20 More Companies for Coronavirus Claims

On August 14, 2020, the FTC announced that it sent warning letters to 20 companies for selling products such as vitamin C, hydrochloroquine, omega 3, and melatonin with unsupported claims that they can treat coronavirus (COVID-19).

Recalls & Warnings

June 13, 2024

Thyroid Supplement Recalled Due to Salmonella

On June 11, 2024, Penn Herb Company Ltd issued a recall of 51 bottles of Nature’s Wonderland Thyroid Formula capsules after FDA testing revealed the products to be contaminated with Salmonella.

Recalls & Warnings

January 16, 2023

Sanders Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramels Recalled Due to Plastic

On December 30, 2022, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency announced the recall of certain lots of Sanders Candy Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramels due to pieces of plastic being found in products.

News Release

November 19, 2018

Tests Reveal Best Fish Oil Supplements and How They Compare to Prescription Fish Oil

White Plains, New York, November 19, 2018 — Fish and marine oil supplements containing the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA offer a range of potential benefits for improving mental health, reducing inflammation, and even cancer prevention.

Recalls & Warnings

January 13, 2025

NuGo Nutrition Bar Recall Expanded

On January 10, 2025, Lifestyle Evolution Inc. expanded its recall of NuGo Dark Chocolate Chip nutrition bars to include NuGo Dark Chocolate Pretzel nutrition bars and nutrition bar multipacks, due to an undeclared milk allergen.

News Release

September 12, 2018

Little Omega-3 and High Mercury Found In Some Canned Tuna -- Better Choices Selected for Tuna and Salmon

White Plains, New York, September 12, 2018 — Some popular canned tuna contain much lower amounts of omega-3 fatty acids than recommended for cardiovascular benefits while being high in mercury and/or arsenic, according to tests by ConsumerLab.com.

News Release

April 25, 2017

Caution with Kelp Supplements: May Contain Too Much Iodine

White Plains, New York, April 25, 2017 — Kelp supplements are promoted as a natural source of iodine, an important mineral for healthy thyroid function. But are they a good alternative to regular iodine supplements? To find out, ConsumerLab.

Recalls & Warnings

April 03, 2023

Smoked Salmon Recalled Due to Listeria Risk

On March 14, 2023, Seven Seas International USA, LLC issued a voluntary recall of 295 cases of Biltmore Smoked Sockeye Salmon after routine testing by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services discovered the presence of Listeria monocytogenes or Salmonella.

News Release

September 13, 2016

Best Fish Oil? ConsumerLab.com Tests 44 Popular Omega-3 Supplements and Identifies Its Top Picks

White Plains, New York, September 13, 2016 — Fish oil and omega-3 fatty acid supplements containing EPA and DHA are among the most popular supplements, and clinical studies suggest a wide range of potential benefits, from improving mental health to treating inflammatory disease.

News Release

October 28, 2008

Tests reveal quality problems with vitamin A supplements -- New ConsumerLab.com report focuses on vitamin A, including beta-carotene and cod liver oil

WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK — OCTOBER 28, 2008 — ConsumerLab.com is cautioning that the amount vitamin A in some supplements may be much higher or lower than the amount stated on labels. Among ten supplements recently selected for testing, ConsumerLab.

Recalls & Warnings

December 10, 2024

Nu Go Nutrition Bars Recalled

On December 3, 2024, Wegmans announced a recall of Nu Go Dark Chocolate Chocolate Chip Nutrition Bar due to an undeclared milk allergen.

Recalls & Warnings

September 25, 2023

FDA Warns Consumers Not to Use Tapee Tea

On August 31, 2023, the FDA warned consumers not to purchase or use Tapee Tea products after FDA laboratory analysis found them to contain dexamethasone and piroxicam, drugs that are not listed on the product's label.

News Release

August 05, 2008

ConsumerLab.com Find Fifty Fish Oil Supplements Pass Quality Testing -- New Report Helps Consumers Choose Among Pills, Liquids, Foods and Beverages with Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA and DHA)

WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK — AUGUST 5, 2008 — ConsumerLab.com announced today that testing of fifty omega-3 fish oil supplements, foods or beverages (including two marketed for pets) found all to have safe levels of mercury, lead and PCBs.

Recalls & Warnings

December 04, 2023

Manischewitz Dark Chocolate Coins Recalled Due to Undeclared Milk

On December 1, 2023, Manischewitz issued a recall of one lot of Manischewitz Dark Chocolate Coins because they contain undeclared milk. The recalled lot of coins are labeled as “dark chocolate,” but contain milk chocolate coins.

Recalls & Warnings

June 08, 2021

FDA Warns Seller of "CoronaBox" Containing Vitamin D, Probiotics & More for Unsupported Claims

On May 24, 2021, the FDA issued a warning letter to Everything Health LLC following a review of the company's website by the FDA and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) which found the company promoted its CoronaBox (which contains cordyceps, vitamins, and K2, magnesium, ginger, probiotics ...

Recalls & Warnings

April 03, 2023

SimplyProtein Bars Recalled Due to Undeclared Cashews

On March 31, 2023, Wellness Natural USA Inc. issued a voluntary recall of a single lot of SimplyProtein Peanut Butter Chocolate Crispy Bars because they contain undeclared trace of tree nuts (cashews).

Recalls & Warnings

February 12, 2025

Trader Joe’s, Van Camp’s, H-E-B, and Genova Canned Tuna Recalled

On February 7, 2025, Tri-Union Seafoods recalled select canned tunas sold by Trader Joe’s, Van Camp’s, H-E-B, and Genova, due to a manufacturing defect that compromises the integrity of the “easy open” pull tab on the can.

Recalls & Warnings

December 08, 2020

Dark Chocolate Recalled Due to Allergen Risk

On December 1, 2020, Maribel's Sweets issued a recall of Cacao Market Cylinder Dark Chocolate Pearls because they contain undeclared milk.

Recalls & Warnings

March 24, 2020

Mislabeled Lindt Chocolate Bar Recalled

On March 19, 2020, Lindt & Sprüngli (USA) Inc. issued a recall of one lot of Lindt Excellence 85% Cocoa chocolate bars because they are wrapped in the wrong packaging.

Recalls & Warnings

October 03, 2020

Some "Dairy-Free" Dark Chocolate Found to Contain Undeclared Milk

On October 1, 2020, the FDA announced findings from a study it conducted from 2018 to 2019 that showed that some dark chocolate products claiming to be "dairy-free" or "milk-free" contain undeclared milk.

Recalls & Warnings

July 10, 2020

Sundial Herbal Recalls More Than Sixty Products Including Turmeric, Cinnamon & Tea

On July 9, 2020, Sundial Herbal Products issued a recall of more than 60 herbal products because they were misbranded and/ or promoted with drug claims. Their labels contain drug claims stating the products can diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat, or prevent disease.

Recalls & Warnings

March 30, 2019

Sea Salt 70% Dark Chocolate Bar Recalled Due to Allergen Risk

On March 28, 2019, Theo Chocolate issued a recall of 3oz Sea Salt 70% Dark Chocolate bars because they may contain undeclared milk. 

Recalls & Warnings

January 20, 2019

RXBAR Protein Bars Recalled

On January 15, 2019, RXBAR issued a recall of certain varieties of protein bars because they may contain undeclared peanuts.

Recalls & Warnings

February 14, 2020

Dark Chocolate Bar Recalled Due to Allergen Risk

On February 13, 2020, Gourmet International and Butlers Chocolates UC issued a recall of IRISH WHISKEY DARK CHOCOLATE 3.5OZ TABLET BAR chocolate bars because they may contain undeclared milk.

Recalls & Warnings

February 10, 2015

Seller of "Natural" Cough Syrup Warned for Manufacturing Violations, Drug Claims

On January 21, 2015, the FDA issued a warning letter to Fragrance Manufacturing Incorporated, following a facility inspection which found the company's products, including Maty's All Natural Cough Syrup and Maty's All Natural Cough Syrup for Kids, to be adulterated because they ...

Recalls & Warnings

November 06, 2014

Seller of Cholesterol, Arthritis Supplements and More Warned for Drug Claims

On October 17, 2014, the FDA issued a warning letter to Vitamins Direct (USA) and Golden Pride, Inc., which distribute Flexezy and Physician's Signature brands of dietary supplements, following a facility inspection which found statements made about certain supplements to be drug claims.

Recalls & Warnings

June 20, 2003

FTC Charges Marketers of Seasilver with False and Deceptive Claims

On June 19, 2003, The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced coordinated actions against two companies - both charged with promoting the dietary supplement "Seasilver" with unsubstantiated medical claims. The agencies' actions against Seasilver USA, Inc.

Recalls & Warnings

February 11, 2012

Herbal Sprays for Colds and Cold Sores Recalled

On February 10, 2012 the U.S. FDA posted a notice announcing the recall of all "Koff & Kold" and "Kold Sore" sprays by Wholistic Herbs Inc. The products were distributed throughout the United States.

Recalls & Warnings

July 24, 2006

Marketers of Seasilver Ordered to Pay Almost $120 Million

On July 24, 2006, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced that the marketers of Seasilver, an alleged phony cure-all, have been ordered to pay almost $120 million for failing to comply with an earlier order requiring them to pay $3 million in consumer redress.

Recalls & Warnings

June 15, 2016

More Nutrition Bars Recalled Due to Listeria Risk

The following nutrition bars are being recalled because they contain sunflower kernels or may have come in contact with equipment processing sunflower kernels which have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes (use the links below for affected lot numbers, UPC, and/or ...

Recalls & Warnings

February 20, 2013

Cold, Flu and Stress Supplement Company Warned For Adulteration, Drug Claims And More

On October 5, 2012, the FDA issued a warning letter to dietary supplement manufacturer Wholistic Herbs, Inc. following a facility inspection which found the company's products, including At-Ease, Morning Calm, Aller-Ban, Stomach Flu, Kold & Koff, Kold Sore, and L.