Green lipped mussels: All you need to know

Have you heard of Green Lipped Mussels? This shellfish is native to New Zealand, the Green Lipped Mussel provides a nutritional supplement due to their naturally occurring Omega-3 fatty acids, anti-inflammatory and joint-protecting properties.

Keep reading to discover all you need to know about this nutrient-rich mollusc.

What Are Green Lipped Mussels?

It all starts with the potent, nutrient-rich ocean waters off New Zealand’s eastern coast.

In the 1960s, mussel farming began as a small industry in New Zealand; today, green lipped mussels are the top aquaculture export in the entire country.

Perna canaliculus, the green-lipped mussel, is endemic to New Zealand. It is grown for aquaculture only in New Zealand, where it is trademarked as the greenshell™ mussel (GSM).

Various therapeutics such as Lyprinol® are produced from GSM.¹

Green Lipped Mussels are one of the largest mussels and can grow up to 240mm in length.

Said to have anti-inflammatory and joint protecting properties, Green-lipped mussel are available in the form of extract supplements.

What Makes Green Lipped Mussels Beneficial?

Green Lipped Mussels eat phytoplankton from the ocean. This works out really well for us, as we absorb the benefits of the phytoplankton when we take Green Lipped Mussel supplements.

Due to the intense sun rays in the areas where the mussels grow, the plankton must protect themselves from the potentially deadly high levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

Over time, they have developed powerful antioxidants to fight the stress caused by the radiation.²

When the mussels eat the phytoplankton, they absorb these protective mechanisms. And so, the cycle continues – when you consume their extracted oil, you get the benefits of these protective properties.

Green-lipped mussels naturally contain anti-inflammatory nutrients, such as Omega-3 fatty acids and Chondroitin Sulphate. They also contain several key vitamins and minerals.³

The underlying mechanisms explaining these effects are in the anti-inflammatory activity of bioactive lipids in mussels including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).  

What Do Green Lipped Mussels Do?

Green Lipped Muscles contribute towards a healthy musculoskeletal system, due to their naturally occurring Omega-3 Fatty Acids, plus glycosaminoglycans – which are important for improving flexibility and mobility in our joints, they can also help to reduce the symptoms of mild arthritis and inflammation.⁴

Green-lipped mussel extract has been discovered as a good source of natural antioxidants and daily vitamins in recent years.

The oils extracted from the green-lipped mussel work as natural antioxidants in the body and are effective in anti-inflammatory treatments.

These oils are an extremely rich source of Omega 3 oils and serve as a powerful health supplement for treating inflammatory illness and joint pain.⁵

Summary

Green-lipped mussel supplements provide your body with Omega 3 fatty acids, protein, and carbohydrates, providing a combination of all the basic nutrients your body needs to help stay healthy and vigorous daily.

Green Lipped Mussels may contain antioxidants, which help protect our bodies from free radical damage. Green Lipped Muscle supplements can help to enhance healthy energy and vitality.

Green Lipped Mussel Dosage and Side Effects

Green-lipped mussel is available in the form of extract supplements.

Green-lipped mussel seems to be relatively well tolerated, although gastrointestinal discomfort (like nausea and flatulence) has occasionally been reported.⁶

Currently, there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for New Zealand green-lipped mussel.

Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.⁷

Final Say

Green Lipped Mussels contain natural Chondroitin, an important building block for joint structure. They also contain natural Omega-3 ETA which helps to soothe stiff joints.

The advice in this article is for information only and should not replace medical care. Please check with your GP or healthcare professional before trying any supplements, treatments or remedies. Food supplements must not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. 

Last updated: 28 October 2022