Omega XL Review: Does It Reduce Arthritis Pain? Is It Safe? Review of Evidence

Written by Joe Cannon, MS. Update 6/4/22. Omega XL, touted on TV as a “natural solution for arthritis and joint pain,” is a product you may have seen in TV commercials featuring Larry King. The benefits of Omega XL are said to be derived from an extract of the green-lipped mussel. The questions I get asked most are: “Does Omega XL work? and “Is Omega XL just a fish oil supplement?” Are there any side effects? Let's see what the research says.

Omega XL Health Claims

This dietary supplement is touted to reduce joint pain by reducing inflammation. The key ingredient comes from the green-lipped mussel (Perna canaliculus). This is different than other fish oil supplements.

How Does Omega XL Work

The key active ingredient in Omega XL is a compound called “PCSO-524.” This name refers to fatty acids that come from the green-lipped mussel (Perna canaliculus) in New Zealand.

This fatty acid extract (PCSO-524) is said to reduce pain and inflammation by working on pain pathways called the COX (cyclooxygenase) and LOX (lipoxygenase) pathways.

By reducing inflammation in the body, the pain might we experience can be reduced.

Who Makes Omega XL & Company Contact Information?

Omega XL is distributed by Great HealthWorks, whose address is 4150 SW 28th Way, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312-5201.

According to the Better Business Bureau, the company was started in 2003.

To contact Great Health Works, customer service, call 800-488-8082.

Better Business Bureau Rating and Customer Complaints

Great Health Works has been in operation since 2003. The BBB gives Great HealthWorks an A+ rating with 4.61 out of 5 stars. When their site was last checked, there were 99 complaints listed with the Better Business Bureau. To their credit, the company responds to customer complaints and issues refunds when requested. The company has been accredited by the BBB since 2010.

What Is Pharmalink International?

What is called Omega XL is really a product by a company called Pharmalink International Limited.  They are located at 11211 69th Street Largo, FL 33773,

Their phone number is (800) 257-3527.

In the US, their distributors are:

• Great HealthWorks

• Lyprinol.com

Therefore, Great HealthWorks is the US distributor of Omega XL. There's nothing wrong with this. This information is provided for those doing their own research.

Larry King TV Commercial

Larry King Commercial

 

What Is Lyprinol?

Lyprinol is another name for Omega XL. They are the same thing. Lyprinol is the name of the supplement sold internationally by Pharmalink International.  Much of the research you see below will be on Lyprinol. Remember Lyprinol research = Omega XL research.

Quick Reference: Omega XL Names

These four names all refer to the same thing:

1. Omega XL
2. Lyprinol
3. PCSO-524
4. Green-lipped mussel extract

Omega XL Ingredients

From the bottle, we see 2 soft gel capsules have 300 mg of the following ingredients:

• Green-lipped mussel extract (PSCO-524)
• Olive oil
• Vitamin E

The key ingredient is green-lipped mussel extract (PSCO-524). Neither olive oil nor vitamin E significantly contributes to the supplement's benefits.

There is also an Omega XL Sport, which contains 600 mg per two soft gels.

 

Omega XL Research

The OmegaXL.com website says the “Patented green lipid extract found in Omega XL has been the subject of 25 years of multiple published clinical studies. Some of that research involves animals. However, in this review, we will only review the human clinical trials.

Omega XL Human Clinical Studies

Here's a review of human research.

2018 Studies

Study Title: The Effects of PCSO-524®, a Patented Marine Oil Lipid derived from the New Zealand Green Lipped Mussel (Perna canaliculus), on Pulmonary and Respiratory Muscle Function in Non-asthmatic Elite Runners.

Study Summary:

16 runners who did not have asthma were given either 8 capsules of Omega XL or a placebo (olive oil) for 12 weeks.

Results:

Omega XL did not improve lung functioning.

2015 Studies

Study Title: The effects PCSO-524®, a patented marine oil lipid and omega-3 PUFA blend derived from the New Zealand green-lipped mussel (Perna canaliculus), on indirect markers of muscle damage and inflammation after muscle-damaging exercise in untrained men: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

Study Summary:

This study involved 32 untrained young men (average age was 22) who exercised on a treadmill (downhill running) to cause delayed muscle soreness (DOMS) and muscle damage. The men were randomly given either a placebo or 1200 mg of PCSO-524 for 26 days before they exercised and for 96 hours afterward.

Results:

Omega XL significantly reduced various measurements of muscle damage compared to the placebo. Those taking the supplement also had significantly less reduction in muscle strength after exercise. While the study was funded by Pharmalink International, the maker of the supplement, the researchers report no conflicts of interest and the company played no role in the study.

2013 Studies

Study Title: Marine lipid fraction PCSO-524™ (lyprinol(®)/omega XL(®)) of the New Zealand green lipped mussel attenuates hyperpnea-induced bronchoconstriction in asthma.  

Study Summary:

The aim of this study was to determine if the supplement could reduce breathing problems during exercise in people with asthma. Basically, researchers wanted to see if the supplement would help exercise-induced asthma symptoms. This study lasted 8 weeks and involved 20 college-aged men and women with mild to moderate asthma symptoms. Students were randomly given either a placebo or 1200 mg of Omega XL (8 capsules) per day.

Study Results:

Those taking Omega XL saw a significant reduction in average asthma symptom scores as well as a significant reduction in the use of asthma medication use.

Study Title: Perna canaliculus Lipid Complex PCSO-524™ Demonstrated Pain Relief for Osteoarthritis Patients Benchmarked against Fish Oil, a Randomized Trial, without Placebo Control.

Study Summary:

This investigation involved 50 older men and women (44 women, 6 men; their age was about 65 years). All people had knee or hip osteoarthritis.  For 12 weeks, people were randomly given either:

• 1200 mg of fish oil per day or

• 1200 mg Lyprinol per day (containing 400 mg of PCSO-524)

Study Results:

Those who received the Omega XL extract (PCSO-524) reported significantly less pain and more mobility than those who were given fish oil. No side effects were reported and no change in blood pressure or liver enzymes was reported.

Study problems:

This study had no placebo group. Researchers also did not measure changes in inflammation enzymes, the stuff green-lipped mussel extract is supposed to inhibit.

 

Study Title: Marine oil dietary supplementation reduces delayed onset muscle soreness after a 30 km run.

Study Summary:

Investigators were testing if PCSO-542 could reduce muscle soreness after exercise (see this for more on DOMS). In this study, 32 runners performed a 9-mile run (15 km) on an asphalt course at 70% of their maximum aerobic ability. The runners were given either Omega XL or a placebo for 11 weeks.

The amount of Omega XL used in the study was 1200 mg per day (this provided 400 mg of the PCSO-524 active ingredient in Omega XL).  After 11 weeks, people ran the same 9-mile run again, at the same speed. Blood samples and pain levels 3 days later were recorded for comparison.

Study Results:

Researchers noted runners who received PCSO-542 (OmegaXL) have significantly less delayed muscle soreness (DOMS) than those who took the placebo. The effect was “slight but significant” which, to me means, the effect might not be noticed by most people. Interestingly, Omega XL seemed to reduce muscle soreness more in runners who were less fit. In the more advanced runners, there was less of an effect.

Study problems:

This was a  single-blinded investigation so the researchers knew who was getting Omega XL and who was getting the placebo. These types of studies open the possibility that researchers might inadvertently/unconsciously influence the outcomes of the study.

Interestingly, there were no significant reductions in the muscle damage enzyme, creatine kinase levels (CK). Theoretically, if the supplement reduced muscle soreness, it makes sense that it might reduce CK levels. But no reduction was seen.

2012 Studies

Study Title. “Treatment of children’s asthma with a lipid extract of the new Zealand green lipped mussel (Perna canaliculus) (Lyprinol^®)-A double blind, randomized controlled trial in children with moderate to serve chronic obstructive asthma” published in the Internet Journal of Asthma, Allergies and Immunology.

Study Summary:

71 kids with moderate asthma (age 6-13) were randomly given either 4 placebos per day or 4 capsules (600 mg) of Lyprinol per day for the 16-week study (4 months).

Study Results:

There were no differences in the number of asthma symptoms between those taking Omega XL and placebo.  Those taking the supplement saw no changes in wheezing or breathlessness, chest tightness or lost sleep. The supplement did reduce the use of astha medications either.

2011 Studies

Study Title: Measurement of pain relief resulting from administration of Perna canaliculus lipid complex PCSO-524™ compared with fish oil for treating patients who suffer from osteoarthritis of the knee and/or the hip joints.

Study Summary:  50 men and women over 55 years of age who had osteoarthritis of the knee and/or hip. Most of the people in the study were women. People were randomly given either 1200 mg of fish oil or 1200 mg of Lyprinol (Omega XL) for 12 weeks.

Study Results:

Those who received the supplement showed a “statistically significant reduction in pain, improved levels of mobility and activity” with “no noted effects.” No significant changes were seen in those who received fish oil.

People in this study did have access to acetaminophen (Tylenol). Those taking Lyprinol reported using less acetaminophen than those who received fish oil.

Study problems:

People were able to use pain medications. Theoretically, this may have masked the effects of the supplement.

Study Title: The effects of Lyprinol(®) on delayed onset muscle soreness and muscle damage in well-trained athletes: a double-blind randomized controlled trial.

Study Summary:

Researchers tried to see if Omega XL could reduce muscle soreness after exercise. In this 2-month-long investigation,  20 well-trained college-age males were randomly given 200 mg per day of the supplement or a placebo.

Study Results: Lyprinol did not reduce muscle soreness after exercise.

Study problems:

Researchers tested CRP levels. CRP is a marker for cellular inflammation. The higher the CPR, the more inflammation. Since the supplement is marketed to be anti-inflammatory, it should reduce CRP levels. But, it didn't.  This is one of the few studies that measured CRP levels.

2006 Studies

Study Title: Systematic review of a marine nutriceutical supplement in clinical trials for arthritis: the effectiveness of the New Zealand green-lipped mussel Perna canaliculus.

Study Summary:

This is a review of the research previously conducted on the green-lipped mussel (Perna canaliculus). The authors concluded there was “little consistent and compelling evidence” (up until 2006).

Study Problems:

These researchers were looking at freeze-dried green-lipped mussel powder supplements. This is not the same thing as Omega XL.  The review also mentions other similar green-lipped mussel supplements such as “Seatone.”

2004 Studies

Study Title: Treatment of knee osteoarthritis with Lyprinol®, lipid extract of the green-lipped mussel – A double-blind placebo-controlled study. Study Summary: 67 completed the study with knee osteoarthritis were either given Lyprinol or a placebo for 6 months. Study Results: Those who received Lyprinol had no difference in pain perception than those who received a placebo. Study Problems: This study does not tell how much Lyprinol people used. Those who took a placebo showed improvements. Also, people in this study were allowed to use acetaminophen for pain. This could have masked the effects of OmegaXL.

Study Title: Efficacy and tolerability of a combination of Lyprinol and high concentrations of EPA and DHA in inflammatory rheumatoid disorders.

Study Summary:

50 people with rheumatoid arthritis were given a combination of Lyprinol and fish oil supplements for 12 weeks.

Study Results:

62% of the people were able to reduce their arthritis medications by the end of the study.

Study Problems

This study didn't use Omega XL. It used a different supplement called which has 35 mg of the green-lipped mussel extract as well as 458 mg of fish oil per capsule. Omega XL has 50 mg of the green-lipped mussel extract per capsule. Also, there was no placebo group.

2003 Studies

Study Title: Clinical efficacy and safety of Lyprinol, a patented extract from New Zealand green-lipped mussel (Perna canaliculus) in patients with osteoarthritis of the hip and knee: A multi-centre two-month clinical trial.

Study Summary:

60 people with osteoarthritis of the hip and knee (54 people completed the study) were given 4 capsules (600 mg) of Lyprinol per day for 8 weeks.

Study Results:

Researchers report that 80% of people said they experienced significant pain relief and improved joint function. No side effects were reported.

Study problems:

There was no placebo group.

2002 Studies

Study Title: Treatment of asthma with lipid extract of New Zealand green-lipped mussel: a randomized clinical trial.

Study Summary:

46 people with mild asthma were studied for 8 weeks. People were randomly given either a placebo or Lyprinol twice a day.

Study Results:

Those who received the Lyprinol reported less wheezing, less exhaled hydrogen peroxide (a marker for airway inflammation and free radical stress) and an increase in peak expiratory flow, compared to those who received a placebo. In other words, their asthma got better.

2000 Studies

Study Title: The effect of a lipid extract of the New Zealand green-lipped mussel on three cases of arthritis.

Study Summary:

This is a report on the effects of Omega XL on 3 people who had rheumatoid arthritis. I am unable to locate the results of these case studies.

Study Title: Anti-inflammatory effects of a stabilized lipid extract of Perna canaliculus (Lyprinol^®). The link goes to a pdf of the study.

Study Summary:

This is a review article that covers several other investigations that have noted positive results with Lyprinol.

1998 Studies

Study Title: The treatment of arthritis with a lipid extract of Perna canaliculus: a randomized trial.

Study Summary:

30 people with arthritis (osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis) were given either freeze-dried green-lipid mussel powder (1150mg/day) or Lyprinol (210 mg/day) for 3 months.

Study Results:

Both supplements decreased pain, swelling, and stiffness in people. Researchers noted that 70% of those with osteoarthritis benefited from the treatments and 76% of those with rheumatoid arthritis also benefited.

Study problems:

While the results are impressive, neither supplement improved handgrip strength. You'd think if arthritis pain was less, then people should be able to grasp things tighter (because they were in less pain). But this did not happen.  Also, there was no placebo group in this study.

1983 Studies

Study Title:  Perna canaliculus in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. I can't find the results of this investigation.

 

1980 Studies

Study Title: Perna canaliculus in the treatment of arthritis.

Study Summary:

66 people were followed for 3 months. People with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis were given either a placebo or 1050 mg of a green-lipped mussel supplement, called Biolane, a product by the New Zealand company, Vitaco. This was not OmegaXL but I'm adding it because it's a study of green-lipped mussel.

Study Results:

76% of the rheumatoid and 45% of the osteoarthritis group reported improvements in pain/ stiffness.  Researchers also noted that 40% of all participants in the study did not notice any benefits.

Study problems

This study did not use Omega XL/Lyprinol.  While the researchers state that a large percentage of people with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis showed improvements, the researchers did not say these results were “significant.”

Also, grip strength did not improve. If arthritis pain got better, then grip strength should improve also. I believe this may be the very first study performed on green-lipped mussel extract.

 

Summary Of Omega XL Arthritis Research

Kudos if you made it through all those studies! Here is a quick review of the human Omega XL arthritis research to date. To be fair, I will say “it works” or “it does not work” based only on research that found statistically significant results.

2013 study:     it works (12-week study. 1200 mg/day used)

2011 study:     it works (12-week study. 1200 mg/day used)

2004 study:    it does not work (6-month study. Unknown amount used)

2004 study:     it works (12-week study. 4 capsules per day)

2003 study:     it works (8-week study. 600 mg/day used)

1998 study:     it works (3-month study.  1150 freeze-dried and 210 mg mussel extract/day)

1980 Study:    it does not work (3-month study. 1050 mg/day study did not use Omega XL)

Of the 7  studies, 5 noted it worked. Keep in mind several of the Omega XL arthritis studies had problems with how they were conducted. See the summaries above for more information.

Omega XL Asthma Research Summary

OmegaXL is also touted to improve asthma. Here is a quick review of asthma research. As before, I will classify whether “it works” or “it does not work” based only on research that noted statistically significant results.

 2013 study: it works (8-week study. 1200 mg/day used)

2012 study: it does not work (4-month study 600 mg used)

2002 study: it works (8-week study. 300 mg/day)

Based on the asthma research above, I'm not sure if the supplement helps asthma or not. From these 3 studies, it looks like Omega XL works at 300 mg a day and 1200 mg per day but not at 600 mg per day? 

Omega XL And Heart Disease

During one of the Omega XL  infomercials, Larry King asks Dr. Sharon McQuillan, who also appeared on the infomercial this question:

 “How can omega XL reduce the risk of heart attacks?” She responds :

“30 years of studies have shown the benefits of omega 3s.”  She goes on to say that ” I recommend Omega XL to all my patients to help protect their hearts, preserve their heart and vascular health.”

But, as far as I can tell, Lyprinol/Omega XL ―itself ―has never been proven – via clinical studies – to improve heart disease or reduce the risk of heart attacks.

It's possible it may help ―since it contains omega-3 fatty acids, like EPA and DHA. But until somebody tests the product, it's speculation. Also, notice this claim is about omega 3 fats (EPA and DHA) and NOT the green-lipped mussel.

Later in the infomercial, Dr. McQuillan says Omega XL is “the most potent anti-inflammatory that exists.” But, as far as I can tell, there are no studies comparing Omega XL to other natural anti-inflammatory supplements. Also, if the supplement is so potent, why did people in several of the studies still need to take Tylenol?

Read this book to see how to reverse heart disease.

Omega XL And Back Pain

I'm not aware of any back pain studies.

Omega XL For Fibromyalgia

I have not seen any studies involving people with fibromyalgia who took this supplement.

Does Omega XL Help IBS?

Can this supplement help irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)? So far, clinical research on IBS cannot be located.  Likewise human research on inflammatory bowel disorder (IBD) The evidence I located involved lab mice.

Omega XL And Cancer

There is internet chatter about Lyprinol helping cancer. This hype appears to be traced to a 2005 rat study. I am not aware of any published clinical proof in humans showing Omega XL/Lyprinol helps any type of cancer.

See the side effects section for more information if you have cancer.

Omega XL And Muscle Soreness

There are 3 studies of Omega XL and DOMS. So far, two studies have noted it helps while one study shows the supplement does not work. From the studies showing it reduces muscle soreness, its effects seem to be best in those who are beginners.

Omega XL Pros And Cons

Here's a quick review of what I liked and didn't like about the supplement. These are my opinions.

Pro	Con
Lots of studies	Many studies have problems
Available at Amazon & Ebay	Expensive
Few side effects	Over the top claims

How Much PCSO-524 is In Omega XL?

Most studies use a patented product called Lyprinol (another name for Omega XL). Studies note that 150 mg of this product contains 50 mg PCSO-524.  This is what is in 1 gel cap. Scroll up to the ingredient breakdown for more information.

How Long Until Omega XL Works?

The severity and the type of arthritis would likely play a role in how long before effects were noticed. If OmegaXL is going to work, studies of arthritis, generally note 4-8 weeks is typical. As for others how long it might take to help other health issues, I can't say.

Omega XL For Dogs

There is some research noting that Omega XL may help dogs with arthritis. The product sold is called Mussel Dog although there are MANY green-lipped pet supplements.  One study has noted the supplement may not reduce pain or inflammation better than the anti-inflammatory medications.  From the research, if it's going to work, it may take 6 weeks until the effects are noticed by your pet.

Omega XL Side Effects and Health Reactions

None of the human studies report any significant side effects. Some studies have even noted no interaction with blood thinner medications, which is interesting since Omega XL contains low amounts of EPA and DHA, (natural blood thinners).  That said, here are some general considerations if taking this supplement. This list is not complete:

As with all supplements not prescribed by your doctor:

• Stop taking at least 2 weeks before having surgery
• If you take blood thinner medications, speak to your doctor/pharmacist first
• Speak to your doctor first if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Speak to a qualified medical specialist if you take any medicines

There is a report of a 76 year old woman who developed liver problems shortly after she started taking Lyprinol for arthritis. After she stopped taking Lyprinol, her condition improved.

There is a report datelining how people with breast cancer and prostate cancer tolerated green-lipped mussel lipid extract.  In this preliminary investigation, 17 people received 260 mg of the green-lipped mussel extract 2 times per day (510 mg total). While the extract was well tolerated in most people, 2 of the people in this trial developed liver problems. This doesn't prove Omega XL causes liver problems. For those with cancer, speak to your oncologists about the supplements you take.

Omega XL Customer Negative Testimonials

Amazon has over 19,000 ratings for this supplement with 66% of those giving it a 5-star rating. Since nothing will work for everyone, it should also be known that 21% of people gave Omega XL between 1 and 3 stars.

Chief customer complaints include:

• the price (it's overpriced)
• caused gout flair-ups and raised uric acid levels
• it didn't work after a month
• it works but the results are not dramatic
• the supplement smells bad
• package does not specify if it is free of mercury, PCBs, and other toxins
• caused a steep rise in PSA levels
• supplement caused intense abdominal pains
• bottle contains fewer pills than listed on the label

Buy Omega XL

The supplement is very popular and can be found at Walmart, GNC, and many other locations. You can order it directly at GreatHealthWorks.com.

It is available on Amazon too.

Contact Omega XL

To contact Great Health Works, call 800-609-4818

Omega XL Price

On the GreatHealthWorks.com website, the supplement costs $129.95  for a bottle containing 120 soft gels for $129.95.

The supplement comes with a 90-day money-back guarantee. Returns after 90 days will not be eligible for refunds. For more information about these people should call customer service at 1-800-609-4818.

Here it is on Amazon

Other Green- Lipped Mussel Supplements?

Green-lipped mussel extract is getting popular. Even Plexus Slim has added Lyprinol one of their supplements. As far as I can tell, only Lyprinol/Omega XL appears to have been studied clinically, and so, that is an advantage this product has over others.

That said, quality-made dietary supplements containing the same dosage, might in theory work similarly to each other.

Does Omega XL Work?

There is no doubt that Omega XL (Lyprinol) has a LOT of clinical research dating back several years. The majority of these studies appear to show the active ingredient in (called, PCSO-524) may have pain-relieving benefits. That said because some of the studies have problems with how they were conducted, I feel better investigations need to be done.

Any Questions or Comments?