I don’t know about you, but when it comes to supplements, I’m never really sure what I should be taking. It seems that the experts agree. “There are so many supplements out there, with each one offering something different for your body, and so it can be tough to know where to start,” says Roper. She advises figuring out which supplements you really need by consulting a healthcare professional, as everyone’s needs are different. That being said, there’s certainly a trend appearing for 2024, and that’s supplements from under the sea. From sea moss to marine collagen, there’s definitely an underwater theme, with Holland & Barrett reporting a 158% growth in searches for sea moss on the website and sea moss gel taking the top spot as the website’s best-selling chilled product in its new food range. Not only that, but the hashtag #seamoss has over 1 billion views on TikTok, with #marinecollagen racking up almost 48 million and #seaweedbenefits reaching over 200,000 views.
So, what are the benefits of these supplements? According to Gold Collagen‘s in-house nutritionist, Dr. Vidhi Patel, “Marine collagen (which is typically sourced from the skin of fish) is actually the best, highest and most bioavailable source of collagen that is easy to digest and hugely beneficial for human consumption.” Dr. Patel says that it can improve skin elasticity and joint health and enhance the overall structure and appearance of the skin.
When it comes to seaweed, Dr. Craig Rose, marine biologist at Doctor Seaweed, told me that there are plenty of benefits. “Seaweeds are naturally rich in key minerals crucial for our vitality and health. One specific species, Ascophyllum nodosum, also known as “knotted wrack”, is a natural source of essential iodine. This nutrient is key and has scientifically approved claims for supporting your thyroid health, energy and metabolism, nervous system, skin health, and brain health.” However, when it comes to sea moss, Dr. Rose says that although the benefits are varied and full of potential, products very often go without specific approved health claims.