Named for its green edges, the green-lipped mussel also known as the New Zealand mussel is a shellfish native to New Zealand. <\/p>\n
It has been claimed to have medicinal properties and thus become popular as a supplement.<\/p>\n
The mussel contains several anti-inflammatory compounds claimed to treat inflammatory conditions, including asthma and arthritis. <\/p>\n
This article explains everything you need to know about green-lipped mussel supplements, including their potential benefits, forms, and safety. <\/p>\n
The green-lipped mussel is a staple food of the indigenous Mori people of New Zealands coasts.<\/p>\n
Interest in the mussels potential health benefits began in the early 1970s and stemmed from the observation that Mori people had a lower incidence of arthritis than people who lived inland (1).<\/p>\n
It was later determined that the mussels were a rich source of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids, especially eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (2, 3, 4).<\/p>\n
Furthermore, researchers have identified other types of fatty acids from the mussels. They may also possess anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting enzymes and proteins that produce inflammation and pain (5, 6, 7).<\/p>\n
Similarly, green lipped-mussels contain chondroitin sulfate, a component of connective tissues like joints and bones that may reduce inflammation in the same way (8).<\/p>\n
In addition to these anti-inflammatory nutrients, the mussels are a good source of zinc and an excellent source of iron, selenium, and several B-vitamins (9).<\/p>\n
Green-lipped mussels contain anti-inflammatory nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids and chondroitin sulfate. They also contain several key vitamins and minerals. <\/p>\n
Green-lipped mussel extracts have been studied for various inflammatory conditions, namely asthma and different forms of arthritis. <\/p>\n
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects your lungs and can make breathing difficult.<\/p>\n
By helping reduce inflammation in the lungs airways, green-lipped mussels may benefit people with asthma. <\/p>\n
In one study, researchers gave people with asthma either 400 mg of green-lipid mussel extract or a placebo every day for 3 weeks before having them try the opposite treatment for another 3 weeks (10).<\/p>\n
Compared to the placebo, the extract led to significant reductions in airway inflammation and asthma symptoms. <\/p>\n
Another 8-week study in people with asthma found that a similar extract containing 400 mg of the mussel reduced asthma symptom frequency and airway inflammation when taken daily, compared with a placebo (11).<\/p>\n
While these results are promising, more research is needed. <\/p>\n
Arthritis, which is characterized by painful swelling and stiffness in one or more of your joints, results from chronic inflammation. <\/p>\n
The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). <\/p>\n
Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, green-lipped mussel extract has been claimed to reduce joint inflammation, helping relieve arthritis symptoms.<\/p>\n
However, one review concluded that limited evidence exists to support the use of green-lipped mussel extract for RA or OA, especially when compared with other nutrition supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin, which have more scientific backing (12, 13).<\/p>\n
In contrast, another review of four randomized clinical trials concluded that green-lipped mussel extract improved joint stiffness and pain in people with OA (14).<\/p>\n
However, these findings cant be attributed to the extract alone, as people in each of the studies were also taking pain-relieving medications.<\/p>\n
The studies were also of poor quality and influenced by biases that could have altered the results.<\/p>\n
Additional trials have been conducted in the last few years, but they have either demonstrated inconsistent findings or were of low quality (15, 16).<\/p>\n
Therefore, the effectiveness of green-lipped mussels for relieving arthritis symptoms remains weak based on the current research. <\/p>\n
The current research remains limited or fails to support the use of green-lipped mussels supplements for asthma or arthritis.<\/p>\n
Beyond asthma and arthritis, green-lipped mussel extracts have been studied for their potential benefits in athletes, as well as children with mental disorders.<\/p>\n
Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is characterized by muscle soreness and stiffness that occurs 2448 hours after an intense or unfamiliar workout and can last for several days (17). <\/p>\n
Several factors are thought to contribute to DOMS, one of which is muscle damage incurred from a workout that causes an inflammatory response (18). <\/p>\n
While studies have failed to find any improvement in DOMS from a commercial extract of green-lipped mussels in well-trained athletes, 400 mg of the extract taken for 11 weeks reduced pain sensations in lesser-trained individuals (19, 20).<\/p>\n
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common childhood disorder that causes trouble paying attention and organizing tasks and activities (21).<\/p>\n
The causes of ADHD remain largely unknown, but genetics are thought to play a significant role (22).<\/p>\n
And while more research is necessary, ADHD has also been associated with inflammation (23). <\/p>\n
One study in children ages 6 to 14 with ADHD symptoms showed significant improvements in attention and learning ability following 8 but not 14 weeks of supplementation with a commercial extract containing 150200 mg of green-lipped mussels (24).<\/p>\n
Because this is the only trial to date investigating the effects of a green-lipped mussel extract on ADHD symptoms, more research is necessary. <\/p>\n
Green-lipped mussel extracts may benefit other inflammatory conditions like DOMS and ADHD in children, but more research is needed.<\/p>\n
Green-lipped mussel extracts can be found in oil or powder form and should be easy to find online or at your local health store. <\/p>\n
While less common, you can also find gels and creams that claim to ease joint pain and muscle soreness when applied to the skin. <\/p>\n
Most of the studies examining the anti-inflammatory properties of green-lipped mussels have used an oil extract. <\/p>\n
Interestingly, research indicates EPA may be better absorbed from powdered forms than from oil extracts (25).<\/p>\n
In either case, if youre looking to try a green-lipped mussel supplement, ensure that it was produced using methods that retain the mussels natural nutrient profile. <\/p>\n
One example is freeze-drying, which removes water at low temperatures, providing product stability and nutrient retention.<\/p>\n
Also, look for reputable supplement companies that undergo third-party testing to ensure product quality and safety. <\/p>\n
Several forms of green-lipped mussel supplements exist, including powders, pills, creams, and gels. Regardless of the form, ensure it was produced in a way that preserves the mussels nutrients. <\/p>\n
As green-lipped mussels are a type of shellfish, you should avoid these supplements if you have a shellfish allergy or intolerance.<\/p>\n
You should also avoid the supplements if youre pregnant or lactating due to a lack of safety information (1). <\/p>\n
Outside of these populations, some adverse side effects have been noted with green-lipped mussel supplements.<\/p>\n
For example, early studies reported liver inflammation associated with a brand of supplements that contained toxins produced by the mussel (1).<\/p>\n
Other reported adverse effects linked with green-lipped mussel supplements include fluid retention, nausea, and upset stomach (1). <\/p>\n
That said, more recent studies have failed to find serious adverse side effects associated with supplements containing the mussel (15, 16). <\/p>\n
Finally, green-lipped mussel supplements may negatively interact with or enhance the side effects of certain medications, such as blood thinners and anti-inflammatory medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). <\/p>\n
Keep these things in mind before trying a green-lipped mussel supplement, or talk with your doctor if youre unsure whether this supplement is safe for you.<\/p>\n
A few negative side effects have been linked to green-lipped mussel supplements, which should be considered before trying them. <\/p>\n
Green-lipped mussels are native to New Zealand, where theyre a staple food in the diets of the indigenous Mori people. <\/p>\n
Theyre also popular as a supplement, as the mussels contain various anti-inflammatory nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids and chondroitin sulfate. They also contain several vitamins and minerals.<\/p>\n
However, only sparse and inconsistent evidence supports the use of green-lipped mussel supplements for inflammatory conditions like asthma, arthritis, DOMS, or ADHD in children.<\/p>\n
Before trying a green-lipped mussel supplement, make sure it was produced using a method like freeze-drying, and consult your healthcare provider about the potential risk of negative side effects. <\/p>\n
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Excerpt from: <\/p>\n
Green-Lipped Mussel: Benefits, Forms, and Effectiveness - Healthline<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Named for its green edges, the green-lipped mussel also known as the New Zealand mussel is a shellfish native to New Zealand. It has been claimed to have medicinal properties and thus become popular as a supplement. The mussel contains several anti-inflammatory compounds claimed to treat inflammatory conditions, including asthma and arthritis. Continue reading