At a glance: This post outlines the most common side effects of green-lipped mussel supplements and clarifies a major misconception people have about this powerful extract.
If you want to relieve aching bones and sore joints from arthritis, improve mental functioning, slow aging, and boost your immune system, then you’ve probably been asking, ”What is green-lipped mussel oil?”
But just as important? Learning about potential green-lipped mussel side effects.
In this article, you’ll learn about green-lipped mussel supplements and their potential side effects. It’s important to only seek out well-researched information because there are surprising misconceptions—one in particular will surprise you. (But more on that below.)
Potential Side Effects of Green-Lipped Mussel Supplements
Green-lipped mussel side effects come from two major sources: allergies and dosage.
But it’s important to examine each closely because it’s easy to have misconceptions about the actual risk of side effects.
Side Effects from Shellfish Allergy?
Green-lipped mussel supplements may produce negative side effects when taken by someone with allergies to shellfish.
But that isn’t always the case.
Due to the extraction process, green lipped mussel supplements are made up entirely of the extracted oil and not the actual protein. Therefore allergic reactions are typically avoided in those without severe shellfish allergies.
That’s because most shellfish allergies are a reaction to tropomyosin. (1)
Tropomyosin is a protein found in the muscles of crustaceans (like crab, crayfish, lobster, prawn, and shrimp) and mollusks (like clams, cuttlefish, mussels, octopus, oysters, scallops, snails, and squid).
So, while an allergic reaction is possible, it isn’t highly likely. Nevertheless, if you are allergic to shellfish, it’s advised that you don’t take green-lipped mussel supplements.
Side Effects from Incorrect Dosage?
As with anything, taking too many green-lipped mussel supplements could cause issues, including:
- indigestion
- nausea
- upset stomach
To avoid these side effects simply requires taking the right amount. Research shows doses of up to 5 grams a day were well-tolerated. (2) For dosing tips, check out our post on dosage instructions for green-lipped mussel oil, and always consult with your doctor before introducing a new supplement to your diet.
Some people are concerned about consuming the oil itself, with the worry that the fat content could increase their LDL cholesterol levels. However, the above research notes that high doses of DHA and EPA (two of the omega-3 fatty acids found in green-lipped mussel oil) did not have a significant increase in cardiovascular risk.
Any Other Side Effects?
If you have gout, doctors often recommend limiting seafood intake due to high purine content. Purine gets broken down into uric acid in the body and contributes to gout. (3)
The Difference Between ‘Adverse Effects’ and ‘Side Effects’: The Positive Side Effects of Green-Lipped Mussel Supplements
It’s important to remember a ‘side effect’ does not have to mean something harmful or uncomfortable.
In fact, many of the unexpected side effects from taking a green-lipped mussel supplement like GLX3 are positive
Here are 3 side effects GLX3 users can expect:
- Better Sleep: If you’re taking green-lipped mussel oil to soothe aching joints and bones due to arthritis, a pleasant side effect is the ability to get more restful sleep. Without the pain to keep or wake you up, you can greet the day feeling refreshed and renewed. (4)
- Less Muscle Soreness After Exercising: Green-lipped mussel oil isn’t just for arthritis patients. Athletes and bodybuilders reap the benefits of green-lipped mussel oil during workouts, as it helps soothe delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). (5)
- A Healthier Dog: Give your pup a healthy boost of joint pain relief and go play! Omega-3 has many benefits for dogs, including the reduction of joint pain, which is a prevalent issue, especially in aging canines. (6)
The Surprising Misconception About Green-lipped Mussel and Omega-3 Supplements
Unfortunately, there are many popular misconceptions about omega-3 supplements. But the worst misconception of all is that omega-3 supplements are created the same and are tolerated equally.
Actually, green-lipped mussel oil has far fewer risks of adverse effects than comparable supplements, like fish oil. (7)
So, let’s unpack this myth some more.
The truth is many omega-3 supplements are made with fish oil, which tends to increase the adverse effects related to indigestion, unpleasant tastes, gas, and fish burps. (8)
Another major issue with fish oil is that you don’t always know where the fish were sourced and in what kind of environment they lived—opening the door to unpredictable side effects related to environmental contaminants that end up in your supplements. (9)
Beyond contamination from poor fishing practices, many companies use chemical fillers to stabilize their supplements. Many of these are toxic in large doses, so you do not want to put these stabilizers into your body.
Who Shouldn’t Take Green-Lipped Mussel Oil?
Of course, no supplement is for everyone. For those with allergies to shellfish, Green-Lipped Mussel Oil should be avoided as it can cause an allergic reaction. Additionally, if too much is taken at once, it can lead to side effects such as fluid retention, nausea, and upset stomach.
Additionally, those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a bleeding disorder, are taking blood-thinning medications, or have a medical condition such as diabetes should also avoid using Green-Lipped Mussel Oil without first consulting with their healthcare provider. (10)
As always, it’s important to talk to your doctor before starting any new supplements or medications, particularly if you have questions related to the above. They can provide advice on the best dosage for your individual needs and help identify any potential risks or interactions with existing medications.
Green-Lipped Mussel Side Effects: The Takeaway
Green-lipped mussel oil offers a range of benefits, from relieving arthritis pain to improving mental function and boosting the immune system. However, it’s smart to be aware of this supplement’s potential side effects and misconceptions.
Allergies to shellfish and incorrect dosages remain the highest risk factors. But even then, the risks are generally low. And green-lipped mussel oil tends to have fewer negative side effects than other omega-3 supplements, like fish oil.
Looking to start your journey to joint pain relief? Check out our selection of green-lipped mussel supplements.
