Omega XL from the company Great Health Works is a unique fatty acid supplement that contains a star ingredient in oil extract from green-lipped mussels, or PCSO-524™. It contains over 30 fatty acids including DHA and EPA and is supposed to be more effective than standard fish oils products.
While fatty acid supplements are commonly used to support heart health, the immune system, and overall health, Omega XL does all of this plus supports joint health, and reduces muscle soreness as a result of aging and exercise.
Maintenance is key to longevity and that’s exactly why this product was created, to support factors of that health that contribute to well-being.
Here’s our full review and breakdown of Omega XL.
Pros
- Natural ingredients
- Contains 30+ fatty acids including plant and fish oils
- Focus on joint support and muscle soreness
- Small and easy to swallow softgels
- No fishy aftertaste
- Safe
- 60-day money-back guarantee
- 3-5 day delivery
- Buy one Omega XL get one free, and a free Vitamin D3 intro offer
Cons
- Contains a proprietary blend of ingredients
- A little pricey after the intro promotional offer
What is Omega XL?
Omega XL is an Omega 3 supplement that contains over 30 fatty acids from green lipped mussels farmed from waters in New Zealand.
Green lipped mussels are a shellfish with green edges (hence the name) that supposedly have lots of health-promoting properties.
They contain omega 3 fatty acids, chondroitin sulfate, and many health-supporting vitamins and minerals such as iron, zinc, selenium and B vitamins too.
Omega 3 fatty acid supplements are one of the most widely-sold health products because of their supposed benefits for the heart and other important factors of health. Because the body cannot produce EPA and DHA, we have to supplement to get a sufficient amount of these essential nutrients.
The other ingredients (non-active) include olive oil and vitamin E and we’ve explained what these compounds are and the benefits below.
Omega XL is an intriguing product that could offer some advantages over other omega 3 fatty acid supplements.
Evaluation of Ingredients
Now we’ll go in a little more in-depth in describing the ingredients included in Omega XL.
New Zealand green-lipped mussels
While mussels are a delectable seafood that many of us enjoy every now and then, there’s actually some evidence to suggest that they possess medicinal properties. This has been observed since the 1970s in the Māori people of New Zealand’s coasts where green lipped mussels are a diet staple. Researchers have found there to be lower cases of arthritis in this population compared to people who lived inland (1).
There is some scientific proof to back up the believed benefits, although, research is somewhat mixed and more trials are needed to come to a conclusion about its use for symptoms associated with arthritis, muscle soreness, and even asthma.
One 8-week study found that giving 3,000 mg/day green lipped mussel extract to patients with osteoarthritis resulted in significant improvements in knee joint pain, stiffness and mobility (1). Surprisingly, they also experienced a 49% improvement in gastrointestinal symptoms.
Omega XL uses a patented marine oil lipid, PCSO-524™ that’s derived from green mussels. It’s rich in Omega fatty acids and is believed to be more effective than regular fish oil.
In one 2013 study, the supposed advantages of PCSO-524™ for osteoarthritis pain relief was compared with fish oil that contained a standard EPA-18% and DHA-12% blend (1).
The patients given the patented marine oil experienced an 89% decrease in their pain symptoms and 91% said they experienced an improved quality of life. Those who took the regular fish oil did not see anything close to the relief of the PCSO-524™ group, and even a “greater level of physical discomfort” according to the study.
Green lipped mussels contain omega 3 fatty acids such as EPA and DHA, but also chondroitin sulfate, a building block of cartilage found in humans and animals. The potentially positive effects on joints is most likely due to the omega fatty acids and chondroitin sulfate in green lipped mussels. These compounds are anti-inflammatory which reduces the severity and joint pain and discomfort.
EPA and DHA
Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are two of the most important omega 3 fatty acids. They’re a type of polyunsaturated fat (healthy fat) most commonly found in fatty fish and marine sources.
We have to consume these fats from food sources as the body does not make them.
Unlike other fat sources, EPA and DHA are not stored in the body and used as energy. But rather, they play a role in supporting many factors of health.
Studies have shown that these omega 3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties and hence are beneficial against chronic diseases.
Learn more about these essential fatty acids and choose from our top Cod Liver Oil supplement picks to get your daily dose of healthy omega 3s.
Olive oil
You probably have plenty of it in your pantry and that’s most likely because you’ve heard that olive oil is one of the healthier options to cook with and include in your diet as a fat source. Well, that’s true.
Olive oil is composed mostly of oleic acid (roughly 73%), a monounsaturated fat that according to studies, has health-promoting properties. This popular culinary oil is also very high in antioxidants.
The other percentage of olive oil is made up of saturated fats and polyunsaturated fats (omega 3 and 6).
Learn about the different types of dietary fat and also calculate your ideal daily fat intake here.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is actually a group of fat-soluble nutrients that possess unique antioxidant properties. Antioxidants protect the body from disease-causing free radicals but vitamin E may also support immune health and some research suggests it may decelerate the progression of osteoarthritis by reducing inflammation (1). Although, the evidence is mixed on its potential effects for this purpose.
Still, there are many real world cases where vitamin E was reported to help with joint health.
Verdict on Claimed Benefits
Green lipped mussels are a very nutrient-rich food source that contains more fatty acids than essentially any other product on the market. A significant source of Omega 3s and chondroitin, we have big expectations for what Omega XL can do for people who need top-quality joint support and a noticeable improvement in delayed onset muscle soreness that can affect progress in the gym.
The effects may not be dramatic, but we think the ingredients will support improvement in joint comfort and function and help you to get back to training between sessions that leave you sore. Whether you’re older or an athlete who is always active, Omega XL could be a good option.
While more research would be great, there’s promising evidence for the effectiveness of green lipped mussels, and not to mention we like the addition of vitamin E and olive oil in this product.
Also keep in mind that this is a natural supplement and may therefore take a while to really exert its effects. After all, it is recommended that you use it for eight weeks for optimal results.
Side Effects, Safety and Dosage
There’s no way to predict whether someone may experience side effects from taking a nutritional supplement. This really depends on the individual. However, we always recommend choosing quality products from reputable brands with a good track record which greatly decreases potential for ill effects.
Omega XL is made from natural, safe ingredients and toxin levels, and most users should not have any issues with it.
Yes, the product does contain molluscan shellfish oil, but they use a special proprietary extraction process that removes the allergenic proteins. Therefore, this should eliminate the chance of experiencing an allergic reaction.
The extent of undesirable effects reported after taking Omega XL are headache and abdominal pain, and even weight gain. However, this is certainly not accurate of all or even more users’ experiences.
Overall, recent research has shown that green lipped mussels are safe.
However, certain individuals such as those with medical conditions or who take medications consult with a health professional before using. We do not recommend this product if you’re pregnant or nursing.
Recommended dosage/how to take Omega XL
Per the label instructions, it’s recommended to take 4 softgels daily preferably with a meal for at least the first 8 weeks. The caps be taken all at once or two in the morning and two later in the day.
Four capsules is the equivalent to about 600mg of the green lipped mussel ingredient in the product. Standard fish oils typically require a higher dose (although we don’t know the exact EPA and DHA dose in Omega Xl) to be effective but this patented version seems to be more beneficial and faster acting with less potential for side effects in smaller doses.
Cost and Where To Buy
If you purchase from their website with the monthly Auto-Ship program, you’ll receive two bottles of Omega XL for $39.95, and a free 30-capsule bottle of vitamin D3 plus tax and $6.95 shipping and handling. Two bottles of Omega XL should last you roughly one month if you take the recommended 4 capsules per day for the first 8 weeks as suggested by the product label.
It’s important to note that this package option is an intro promotional offer. Therefore, after your first order, the cost of two 60-capsule bottles is $69.98 plus sales tax and $6.95 shipping and handling.
While the post promotional price is double that of your initial purchase, we do think it’s worth it and recommend trying out the product with the current offer to see how you like it. Some people will notice a difference within the first two weeks and definitely within the first month. Although, the company recommends 8 weeks of supplementation for best results.
But something to keep in mind is that when it comes to nutritional supplements, you often get what you pay for, as with most things. So while not the cheapest product, your health is worth spending a little extra for top-notch ingredients as there is a difference.
Where to purchase Omega XL
While you can also buy Omega XL from Amazon, you’ll get the best price if you purchase the product direct from their site.
How Omega XL Compares To The Competition
Omega XL seems to be on par or of higher quality than a lot of the cheaper options on the market. It does seem to be a little pricier compared to other brands but then again, it’s a patented form of green lipped mussels with some convincing research that shows it could have an advantage over standard green mussels (found in many products) and fish oil supplements.
For example, this patented marine oil derivative may have more beneficial fatty acids than our cod liver review editor’s pick Tropical Oasis Icelandic cod liver oil.
Then there are many products that include green lipped mussels, however, they do not contain PCSO-524™ that has been shown to offer a big advantage over standard fish oil supplements. Popular brands like Horbachh, and Swanson freeze dried green lipped mussels supplement and many others are a good example of products containing basic green lipped mussel.
We also really like that the company offers a 60-day money-back guarantee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Is Omega XL More Effective Than Other Fish Oil Supplements?
While we can’t say it is superior to other fatty acid supplements, the patented PCSO-524™ from green lipped mussels was shown to improve joint health significantly better than standard fish oils products.
What Is Omega XL Most Effective For?
Omega XL places an emphasis on joint health and reducing muscle soreness after exercise. This can be incredibly beneficial for older individuals and active people who need to recover faster between activities.
Can I Take Omega XL Even If I Don't Have Achy Joints or Workout?
Of course! Omega 3 supplements are often used as part of a heart and body healthy daily regime. Omega XL contains essential fatty acids EPA and DHA that we must get from dietary sources.
Does Omega XL Contain Artificial Ingredients?
Omega XL is formulated using natural active ingredients.
Bottom Line
Omega XL is a quality Omega 3 fatty acid supplement, however, it’s certainly more than just that. The active ingredient green lipped mussel contains over 30 fatty acids, some of which are not found in other products.
With an emphasis on joint support and post-exercise muscle soreness, we recommend it for the aging population, those who have an active lifestyle and need to recover quickly for their next workout, and as part of an overall health regime.
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