Is Sea Moss Safe To Take With Lipitor?

In our latest question and answer, our pharmacist discusses the safety of taking sea moss supplements with atorvastatin.

Question

Can I take sea moss pills while taking atorvastatin?

Asked by Gator On Jun 22, 2023

Answered by
Medical Content Reviewed By HelloPharmacist Staff

Published Jun 22, 2023
Last updated Apr 27, 2024

Key points

  • There is no known drug interaction between sea moss supplements and Lipitor (atorvastatin).

Quick Answer

Yes, sea moss supplements are generally considered to be safe while taking atorvastatin as there are no known drug interactions and sea moss is not known to have significant effects on cholesterol levels.

Detailed Answer

Sea moss is a type of red seaweed that contains various nutrients such as carbohydrates, protein, and minerals like sodium, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, and calcium. Sea moss also contains small amounts of iodine.

While sea moss may offer some potential health benefits due to its vitamin/mineral content and prebiotic effects in the gut, scientific research on its specific effects and interactions with medications is limited.

Nevertheless, sea moss supplements, for the most part, are not known to interfere with the way your liver processes medications, including atorvastatin (generic for Lipitor). Therefore, sea moss is generally considered safe to take with most medications (although it may interfere with some thyroid medications due to its iodine content).

It's important to note that sea moss itself is not known to significantly affect cholesterol levels. Atorvastatin, the medication you are taking, works by reducing the production of cholesterol in your liver and if you are taking atorvastatin for cholesterol management, it is important to continue following your prescribed treatment plan.

Final Words

As always, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider before incorporating sea moss or any other supplements into your routine. They can provide personalized advice based on your specific health needs and ensure compatibility with your current medication regimen.

On the whole, though, it's unlikely that sea moss supplements significantly interfere with most medications.

References

  • Prebiotic effects of diet supplemented with the cultivated red seaweed Chondrus crispus or with fructo-oligo-saccharide on host immunity, colonic microbiota and gut microbial metabolites, PubMed
  • Risk assessment of iodine intake from the consumption of red seaweeds (Palmaria palmata and Chondrus crispus), PubMed

About the Pharmacist

Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD

Dr. Brian has been practicing pharmacy for over 13 years and has wide-ranging experiences in many different areas of the profession. From retail, clinical, program development, and administrative responsibilities, he's your knowledgeable and go-to source for all your pharmacy and medication-related questions! Dr. Brian Staiger also has herbalist training and educational certificates in the field of medical ethnobotany. Feel free to send him an email at [email protected]! You can also connect with Dr. Brian Staiger on LinkedIn.

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