Green-lipped mussels: benefits, advantages and effects on the body

Green-lipped mussels, also known as New Zealand mussels, are a mollusk native to New Zealand.

They are believed to have medicinal properties, which is why they have become popular as a supplement.

Mussels contain several anti-inflammatory compounds that are said to treat inflammatory conditions, including asthma and arthritis.

Green-lipped mussels are rich in nutrients.

Green-lipped mussels are a staple food of the indigenous Maori people of coastal New Zealand.

Interest in the potential health benefits of mussels began in the early 1970s, following the observation that arthritis was less common in Maori people than inland people (1).

Mussels were later found to be a rich source of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids, especially eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (2, 3, 4).

In addition, researchers have identified other types of fatty acids in mussels. These may also have anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting enzymes and proteins that cause inflammation and pain (5, 6, 7).

Similarly, green-lipped mussels contain chondroitin sulfate, a component of connective tissues such as joints and bones, which may similarly reduce inflammation (8).

In addition to these anti-inflammatory nutrients, mussels are a good source of zinc and an excellent source of iron, selenium, and several B vitamins (9).

Green-lipped mussels contain anti-inflammatory nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids and chondroitin sulfate. They also contain several key vitamins and minerals.

Effects on inflammation

Green-lipped mussel extracts have been studied for a variety of inflammatory conditions, including asthma and various forms of arthritis.

Asthma

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the lungs and can make it difficult to breathe.

By helping to reduce inflammation in the airways of the lungs, green-lipped mussels may be beneficial for people with asthma.

In one study, researchers gave people with asthma either 400 mg of green-lipped mussel extract or a placebo daily for 3 weeks before trying the opposite treatment for another 3 weeks (10).

Compared with placebo, the extract led to a significant reduction in airway inflammation and asthma symptoms.

Another 8-week study in people with asthma found that a similar extract containing 400 mg of mussels reduced the frequency of asthma symptoms and airway inflammation when taken daily, compared to a placebo (11).

While these results are promising, more research is needed.

Arthritis

Arthritis, which is characterized by painful swelling and stiffness in one or more joints, is the result of chronic inflammation.

The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, green-lipped mussel extract is said to reduce joint inflammation, helping to relieve arthritis symptoms.

However, one review concluded that there is limited evidence to support the use of green-lipped mussel extract for RA or OA, especially when compared to other supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin, which have more scientific support (12, 13).

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).

However, these results cannot be attributed to the extract alone, as people in each study also took pain medications.

The studies were also of low quality and were affected by biases that could have biased the results.

Additional trials have been conducted in the past few years, but they have either shown conflicting results or were of low quality (15, 16).

Thus, the effectiveness of green-lipped mussels for relieving arthritis symptoms remains weak based on current research.

Summary

Current research remains limited or does not support the use of green-lipped mussel supplements for asthma or arthritis.

Other potential benefits

In addition to asthma and arthritis, green-lipped mussel extracts have been studied for their potential benefits for athletes, as well as children with mental health disorders.

Muscle soreness

Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is characterized by muscle pain and stiffness that occurs 24–48 hours after intense or unusual exercise and can last for several days (17).