What is Green-Lipped Mussel Oil, and why is it a preferred source of omega-3s? If you are looking for joint pain relief, you need to know. As an anti-inflammatory supplement, it is the very best available. It offers a range of compounds and nutrients that have proven to support a more active, pain-free lifestyle.
Despite the well-studied benefits of Green-Lipped Mussels, more traditional fish oil supplements such as salmon oil, cod liver oil, and krill oil continue to receive much more mainstream coverage. Though recent years have seen a major surge in popularity for Green-Lipped Mussel Oil as research continues to highlight its power.
We thought we’d put them to the test and explain why doctors and arthritis sufferers around the world prefer New Zealand’s wonder food, Green-Lipped Mussels.
The Differences Between Green-Lipped Mussel Oil and Fish Oil
Before we compare these two oils, let’s first understand what Green-Lipped Mussel Oil is and what distinguishes it from its more popular competitor.
What is a Green-Lipped Mussel?
First and foremost, it comes from the Green-Lipped Mussel (Perna canaliculus). This mussel with a green shell grows off the coasts of New Zealand’s mainland and feeds on phytoplankton, which supplies it with high levels of omega-3. (1)
As the name suggests, the Green-Lipped Mussel is known for its delightful color. But it is now popular around the world thanks to its exceptional nutrient profile. To meet the growing demand, farmers raise these mussels in sustainable aquaculture farms, ensuring the protection of natural ecosystems and the consistent quality of the mussels. The rich nutrient content and sustainable farming practices make the Green-Lipped Mussel a valuable and eco-friendly source of omega-3s.
When did people start eating Green-Lipped Mussels?
People have consumed Green-Lipped Mussels for centuries. And from the beginning, they’ve recognized it as a powerful part of their diet.
The indigenous Māori of New Zealand viewed this mollusk as a sort of superfood, using it to improve joint health and mobility even among older people.
In the 1970s, health researchers began to note that the Māori people have less arthritis than other people in New Zealand. The power of Green-Lipped Mussels was discovered to be the reason for the difference.
Ongoing research continues to improve our understanding of these mussels and why they appear to provide so many benefits. We have found novel compounds that continue to fascinate researchers looking for long-term solutions for joint pain relief. (2)
Amid this research, word has spread to those looking for an anti-inflammatory supplement. Now, farmers are harvesting it as a source of omega-3 for health supplements to feed a global market.
What is fish oil?
Fish oil is a supplement derived from oily fish, including:
- salmon
- mackerel
- sardines
- anchovies
This oil is popular due to its high omega-3 fatty acid content. In particular, it has high levels of Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which are known for their numerous health benefits.
When did people start using fish oil?
Fish oil is actually one of the first dietary supplements, becoming a popular cure-all by the end of the 19th century.
In the 20th century, researchers noticed that groups of people who eat a lot of oily fish live longer, healthier lives. That began a new round of interest in fish oil supplementation.
As the Western diet has developed, its omega-3 content has greatly reduced. This imbalance has likely contributed to a range of health problems that are now common in cultures that eat this way—including rheumatoid arthritis. (3)
Daily fish oil supplementation has been promoted as a way to counteract these issues and live a healthier life. Because the Western diet can be so inflammatory, those seeking joint pain relief have flocked to fish oil as an anti-inflammatory supplement.
Green-Lipped Mussel Oil vs. Fish Oil: A Quick Reference Table
| Green-Lipped Mussel Oil | Fish Oil | |
|---|---|---|
| Effectiveness Source: 4, 5 | More effective at reducing joint pain and inflammation due to higher levels of EPA and DHA, as well as the unique and potent ETA. | Less effective at similar doses. Requires very high doses to match the effects of Green-Lipped Mussel Oil. |
| Versatility Source: 8, 9, 10 | With a wide range of nutrients, it provides benefits for joints, cardiovascular health, the immune system, skin tone, eye lubrication, endurance, and fertility. | Popular supplement but with limited benefits proven for cardiovascular health. Seen as a placebo for heart disease prevention. Provides some immune and blood circulation benefits. |
| Sustainability Source: 11, 12, 13 | Farming is controlled and sustainable, avoiding disruption of marine habitats and ecosystems. | Harvesting methods, especially for krill and farmed salmon, can harm marine ecosystems and involve feeding farmed fish with omega-6-rich corn feed. |
How did we do our research?
To compare the effectiveness of Green-Lipped Mussel Oil to fish oil, we first did an analysis of the available scientific research. It’s important to prioritize this research based on the quality of the study, the use of human subjects, the number of participants, and the methods used.
Where scientific studies are robust, examining experts’ and individuals’ experiences becomes key to completing the picture.
Green-Lipped Mussel Oil vs. Fish Oil: Effectiveness
Both Green-Lipped Mussel Oil and fish oil derive much of their benefit from the presence of fatty acids, particularly the omega-3s EPA and DHA, which have anti-inflammatory properties. These fatty acids reduce symptoms of diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. (4)
But Green-Lipped Mussel Oil is far more potent in both EPA and DHA.
Unlike fish oil, Green-Lipped Mussel Oil has a highly unique fatty acid called Eicosatetraenoic acid (ETA). ETA has a powerful anti-inflammatory effect, much like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, like ibuprofen). But unlike NSAIDs, ETA doesn’t cause gastrointestinal problems. In fact, it can reverse gut and stomach issues caused by NSAIDs. (5)
Research continues to show small doses of Green-Lipped Mussel Oil are generally more effective than a similar-sized dose of other forms of omega-3, including fish oil.
For example, a study published in the journal Rheumatologia found that an equal amount of Green-Lipped Mussel Oil every day delivered much better effects for participants than fish oil. (6)
Two groups were given a daily 1.2-gram dose of either a Green-Lipped Mussel supplement or fish oil for 12 weeks. Everyone who took Green-Lipped Mussel Oil had lower joint pain and inflammation. The fish oil group saw no noticeable benefit.
In another study performed on animals, some subjects received Green-Lipped Mussel treatment while others received a standard omega-3 fatty acid dosage from other sources. The animals who received Green-Lipped Mussel saw their arthritis scores drop 42-75%. The fish oil group saw only a 31% drop. (7)
When it comes to the most effective supplements for healthy joints and fighting inflammation, Green-Lipped Mussel Oil is the clear winner.
- Most Effective: Green-Lipped Mussel Oil
Green-Lipped Mussel Oil vs. Fish Oil: Versatility
The effectiveness of anti-inflammatory supplements is obviously important, but if there are two supplements that can give you some joint pain relief, versatility becomes the deciding factor.
After all, a single supplement that has a wide range of positive effects is simply better than one with a very limited benefit.
Let’s compare the versatility of these two supplements.
A recent study comparing research data to claims made by supplement manufacturers concluded that fish oil’s benefits to cardiovascular health have been greatly overstated. (8) That is becoming more widely known, with the New York Times even reporting fish oil has not proven effective at preventing heart disease.
Yet for Green-Lipped Mussel Oil, one of the biggest benefits (above and beyond providing anti-inflammatory arthritis relief) is improved cardiovascular health.
Green-Lipped Mussel Oil supplements have been shown to significantly improve asthma symptoms. (9) And there is some limited evidence to suggest that people with ADHD might benefit from Green-Lipped Mussel Oil. (10) That’s likely due to the connection between attention issues and inflammation.
Green-Lipped Mussel Oil might even improve fertility!
While research still needs to be done, there are also many promising reports coming in from people who supplement with Green-Lipped Mussels every day. Users notice a stronger immune system and better blood circulation. The extremely high nutrient profile of New Zealand Green-Lipped Mussels also supports better skin tone, eye lubrication, and endurance.
- Most Versatile: Green-Lipped Mussel Oil
Green-Lipped Mussel Oil vs. Fish Oil: Sustainability
The health of our oceans is important to all of us for many reasons, and the massive impact improper fishing practices have made is heartbreaking. For that reason, it’s essential that we compare the sustainability of Green-Lipped Mussels and fish oil.
The vast majority used in supplements such as GLX3 come from farms off the Eastern coast of New Zealand. Because farmers raise Green-Lipped Mussels on aquatic farms, they can control the population much better than typical fish oil supplements. Studies have found that aquaculture of mollusks like Green-Lipped Mussels has been shown to serve a vital role in rebuilding the health of ocean ecosystems. (11)
This aquatic farming also means that Green-Lipped Mussel production doesn’t disrupt marine habitats by removing a critical food source, leaving the ocean’s ecosystem intact.
Meanwhile, the environmental impact of harvesting wild krill is notoriously devastating.
Many krill harvesters claim that because the worldwide population of this crustacean is so large, continued fishing of it for supplement lines is not going to cause significant harm. But National Geographic notes that because Krill is such a vital food source to marine life around the world, its drastic population decline would be catastrophic for ocean ecosystems. (12)
If you are looking for healthy dietary sources of fish oil, the environmental impact can be just as bad. Commercial salmon farming, for example, is much more harmful to both the consumer and the environment than Green-Lipped Mussel farming. Salmon raised on farms are often fed a number of nutrients, including corn feed full of Omega-6 fatty acids, and are in the path of fertilizers and other chemicals that invade the waterways in which they grow. They are also experiencing a rapid increase in mass die-off events. (13)
The evidence clearly shows that Green-Lipped Mussel Oil remains the best choice for people looking for a sustainable anti-inflammatory supplement.
- Most Sustainable: Green-Lipped Mussel Oil
Green-Lipped Mussel Oil Beats Fish Oil
Green-Lipped Mussels were virtually unknown in mainstream health circles just a short while ago. They weren’t commercially farmed until the 1970s and only became prominent in the last decade.
In recent years, however, the popularity of Green-Lipped Mussel Oil has exploded. And there’s a reason behind the rapid rise.
Green-Lipped Mussel Oil is simply more effective, versatile, and sustainable than other omega-3 supplements on the market, including green-lipped mussel extract.
That’s made Green-Lipped Mussel Oil a favorite supplement for athletes, seniors, and so many others looking for a real solution. It’s proving life-changing for those searching for joint pain relief, like rheumatoid arthritis sufferers sidelined from their favorite activities by inflammation.
The potency you find in Green-Lipped Mussel Oil makes it far and away the best anti-inflammation supplement on the market. At the same time, it provides a wide spectrum of benefits that go beyond normal EPA and DHA supplementation. And because production is so sustainable, you know you’re enjoying joint pain relief while doing good in the world.
Are you ready to get back to running, swimming, and tennis? Green-Lipped Mussel Oil supplements like GLX3 are a proven way to help you get there.
