Sea Moss as a Lupus Prebiotic

posted in Complementary Alternative Medicine on July 11, 2023 by

Gavin Abson

Updated February 8, 2025

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Patients ask about Sea Moss as a Lupus Prebiotic:

Sea moss was never on my radar until 2022-2023. I (Donald Thomas, MD) have had several patients now ask me about sea moss as a lupus prebiotic. They asked me if it truly helps and if it is safe. This short blog post answers those questions using the best medical evidence.

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NOTE: Johns Hopkins University Press, publisher of The Lupus Encyclopedia, is a nonprofit publisher. If you purchase JHUP books, like The Lupus Encyclopedia, you support projects like Project MUSE.

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This blog on “Sea Moss as a Lupus Prebiotic” was edited and contributed to by Donald Thomas, MD; author of “The Lupus Encyclopedia.” Parts of this blog post come from “The Lupus Encyclopedia: A Comprehensive Guide for Patients and Health Care Providers, edition 2“

Exploring the Potential Benefits of Sea Moss as a Lupus Prebiotic

Individuals living with lupus often seek natural remedies and supplements to complement their treatment. One such natural option that has gained attention is sea moss, a type of algae known for its prebiotic properties. In this article, we will delve into the topic of sea moss as a lupus prebiotic, exploring its possible benefits for individuals with lupus.

Understanding Lupus and Probiotics and Prebiotics

Probiotics and Lupus

Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that may be beneficial for gut health. The gut is the largest immune system organ of the body. It contains more white blood cells than any other immune system organ. Organisms, like bacteria, in our gut (the gut microbiome) interact with the white blood cells throughout the gut wall. Beneficial organisms can have positive effects. However, there are dangerous organisms that can interact with the gut’s immune system, causing increased immune system activity and autoimmunity. Studies show that an abnormal gut microbiome is associated with worse lupus disease activity and flares.

Some people recommend taking probiotic supplements. However, we do not recommend that lupus patients take over-the-counter probiotic supplement capsules, tablets, or liquids containing gut bacteria. While many probiotic bacteria in these supplements contain beneficial bacteria, some contain strains that are associated with worse lupus disease activity. More research is needed. In the meantime, stick to healthy foods rich in probiotic microbes.

Prebiotics and Lupus

Prebiotics, on the other hand, are ingestible substances that feed beneficial bacteria, as are found in probiotic foods. Do not forget to include prebiotic food (like resistant starches) in a probiotic-rich diet. Sea moss has been promoted as a prebiotic. Read about prebiotic and probiotic-rich foods in our anti-inflammatory diet post.

Sea Moss as a Lupus Prebiotic

Scientifically known as Chondrus crispus, sea moss represents a type of red algae that grows along the Atlantic coastlines. The above image is an example of Irish sea moss.

There is no research on sea moss and lupus (as of 2025). However, its prebiotic nature and nutrient-rich profile make it an option for people interested in increasing prebiotics and probiotics in their diet. Possible sea moss benefits include:

1. Rich in Essential Nutrients: Sea moss contains a wealth of essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. These include vitamin C, vitamin K, calcium, magnesium, iodine, and folate. All of these can contribute positively to health.
2. Potential Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Chronic inflammation is a hallmark of lupus. Some studies suggest that certain compounds found in sea moss, such as fucoidan, may help increase bacteria in the gut shown to possibly benefit lupus patients.
3. Gut Health and Immune System Support: The gut plays a crucial role in immune function. Sea moss, as a potential prebiotic, can possibly help maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria, supporting the immune system’s proper functioning. A 2015 study showed that sea moss benefitted the gut microbiome and immune system in a research animal model. 

Considerations for Individuals with Lupus

While sea moss shows promise as a lupus prebiotic, it’s essential to approach its usage with caution and consider the following:

1. Individual Variations: Lupus affects each person differently. What works for one individual may not work for another. 
2. Quality and Sourcing: Ensure you obtain sea moss from reputable sources to ensure purity and quality. Organic and sustainably sourced sea moss is generally preferred to minimize potential contaminants.
3. Interaction with Medications: Sea moss may interact with some medications, including anticoagulants (blood thinners). Discuss the use of sea moss with your healthcare provider to ensure there are no reasons to not take it.
4. Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may be allergic to sea moss. 

Incorporating Sea Moss Safely

If you decide to try sea moss as a lupus prebiotic, it is essential to do so safely. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

1. Start Slowly: Introduce sea moss gradually, beginning with small amounts and monitoring any potential reactions.
2. Seek Professional Guidance: Consult with a healthcare professional before consuming sea moss to ensure it doesn’t react adversely with any of your medications.
3. Monitor Your Symptoms: Pay attention to any changes in your lupus symptoms when consuming sea moss. Keep a symptom journal. Discuss any changes in your lupus with your healthcare provider.
4. Diversify Your Approach: Sea moss should not replace other lupus treatments. If you decide to take sea moss, use it as a complementary therapy and not as an alternative therapy to your lupus drugs.
5. Eat a Healthy Diet: You should be consuming fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Consider eating an anti-inflammatory diet.

Could Sea Moss Help?

Consuming sea moss, with its potential prebiotic properties, has become more popular. While there is no research on the effects of sea moss on lupus, its effects as a prebiotic and potential anti-inflammatory properties make it an intriguing option.

When my patients ask if they can take sea moss, I usually give my approval, unless they are on strong blood thinners. Although there is no proof that it helps lupus, it is most likely safe for the vast majority of lupus patients to take.  

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For more in-depth information on other complementary therapies for lupus in greater detail:

Read chapters 38 and 39 of The Lupus Encyclopedia, edition 2

It includes information on the anti-inflammatory diet, mindfulness, how to deal with insomnia and stress, turmeric, ginger, and many others by complementary (integrative) medicine experts specializing in lupus.  

Look up your symptoms, conditions, and medications in the Index of The Lupus Encyclopedia.

If you enjoy the information from The Lupus Encyclopedia, please click the “SUPPORT” button at the top of the page to learn how you can help. 

What are your comments and opinions?

If you take sea moss or use other complementary therapies for lupus, what has your experience been? What do you recommend for other patients?

Do you have any questions to ask Dr. Thomas?

Please click on “Leave a Comment” above to comment.

Please support “The Lupus Encyclopedia” blog post page

Click on “SUPPORT” at the top of the page to learn how you can support “The Lupus Encyclopedia“

Edited and added to by Donald Thomas, MD

For more in-depth information on Sea Moss as a Lupus Prebiotic:

Read more in The Lupus Encyclopedia, edition 2

Look up your symptoms, conditions, and medications in the Index of The Lupus Encyclopedia

If you enjoy the information from The Lupus Encyclopedia, please click the “SUPPORT” button at the top of the page to learn how you can help. 

What are your comments and opinions?

If you have lupus, what has your experience been? What do you recommend for other patients?

Do you have any questions to ask Dr. Thomas?

Please click on “Leave a Comment” above to comment.

Please support “The Lupus Encyclopedia” blog post page

Click on “SUPPORT” at the top of the page to learn how you can support “The Lupus Encyclopedia“