Written by Steve Theunissen | ISSA: CPT & Fitness Nutrition
Fact checked by Robert Iafelice, MS, RD, LDN
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Maintaining excellent health and well-being has risen to the top of many people's priorities in today's fast-paced world. Even if we try to eat a balanced diet, some critical nutrients may still be missing. One of them is Omega-3 fatty acids. These essential fatty acids promote numerous facets of our general health and are known for their extraordinary health advantages.
OmegaXL is a dietary supplement developed to close the omega-3 gap and maximize the potential advantages of these necessary fatty acids. In this OmegaXL review, we get up close and personal with this popular supplement to see whether it meets your body's Omega-3 requirements.
OmegaXL goes beyond standard omega-3 supplements that mainly contain just EPA and DHA. It is a concentrated source of green-lipped mussel oil packed with a powerful combination of healthy...
What is Omega XL?
OmegaXL is an omega oil supplement that comes in the form of softgel capsules. This product is distributed by a company called Great Healthworks. According to the product label, OmegaXL is a highly concentrated supplement with better results than standard fish oil. The omega-3 fatty acids contained here are sourced from green-lipped mussels.
Omega XL Review: Pass or Fail?
The first red flag about OmegaXL is that it's a proprietary blend. That means that instead of listing the individual dosage of each ingredient, the label lumps them all together. As a result, we, the consumers, don't know how much of each joint health ingredient we're actually getting. That's a real problem and not what you'd expect from a transparent company.
The other issue is that, when it comes to fish oil supplements, OmegaXL doesn't contain enough omega-3. The 300 mg proprietary blend total is less than half of the amount used in most clinical studies. Throw in the high price (more than double what you'd pay for a generic omega-3 supplement at your local Costco), and we cannot, in all good conscience, recommend this supplement.
Overall Verdict: FAIL
Pros
- Natural source of omega-3 fatty acids
- Non-fish oil extract
- Relieves joint pain
- Lots of positive online reviews
Cons
- Proprietary blend
- Low dosed
- Expensive
Omega XL Ingredients
While we don't know how much of each ingredient you get in OmegaXL, we do know what's in it and the total dosage. Let's break down the OmegaXL proprietary blend ingredients to see whether they're actually going to help you boost your omega levels and help alleviate joint pain.
1. Green-lipped mussel extract
The green-lipped mussel, or perna canaliculus, is a mollusk species native to New Zealand. It has drawn interest in health supplements due to their possible therapeutic benefits and high nutrient profile.
The extract of green-lipped mussels is made from their meat and is prized for its abundance of omega-3 fatty acids, special lipids, proteins, minerals, and other bioactive substances.
Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), two omega-3 fatty acids, are particularly abundant in green-lipped mussels. Numerous studies have been done on these fatty acids to determine their varied health advantages. According to research, EPA and DHA support brain function, joint health, cardiovascular health, and inflammation response regulation.
In a study published in the Journal of Clinical Epidemiology, researchers examined how green-lipped mussel extract affected knee osteoarthritis patients' joint pain and function. The results revealed considerable improvements in reduced joint pain and functional outcomes by the green-lipped mussel group compared to a placebo group.¹
Natural constituents of connective tissues, such as chondroitin sulfate and heparin-like substances known as glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), are found in the green-lipped mussel. GAGs are well known for their capacity to support cartilage integrity and support joint health.
Research on the effects of green-lipped mussel extract on joint pain and stiffness in people with osteoarthritis was reported in the Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology. The study found significant improvements in joint discomfort and physical function compared to the placebo group.²
Green-lipped mussels also have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The minerals, peptides, and omega-3 fatty acids in these mussels may help the body fight inflammation and oxidative stress.
The ability of green-lipped mussel extract to fight inflammation and act as an antioxidant was noted in a review article published in the journal Marine Drugs. The scientists discussed how it might reduce oxidative stress and block pro-inflammatory enzymes, which could impact diseases connected to chronic inflammation.³
Green-lipped mussels are a good source of additional nutrients, such as vitamins (including vitamin E and vitamin C) and minerals (such as selenium and zinc). These vitamins and minerals support general health and well-being.
2. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is produced mechanically, without using heat or chemical solvents, from the fruit of the olive tree. It has health-improving qualities, is an essential part of the Mediterranean diet, and is a common ingredient in joint health supplements.
EVOO is abundant in monounsaturated fatty acids, especially oleic acid, which is well known for its potential cardiovascular benefits. It also contains a number of bioactive substances, including polyphenols, such as hydroxytyrosol and oleuropein, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities.
Monounsaturated fatty acids, like those found in EVOO, have been connected to benefits in blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and cardiovascular health in general. The polyphenols included in olive oil may also contribute to its cardioprotective properties by lowering oxidative stress and inflammation.⁴
It has been demonstrated that extra virgin olive oil's polyphenols and other bioactive substances have anti-inflammatory effects on the body. Reducing chronic inflammation can improve overall health because it is linked to many different medical issues.⁵
EVOO is high in antioxidants, which help in the body's defense against oxidative stress and neutralize dangerous free radicals. Antioxidants are essential for preventing cell damage and promoting general health.
According to some research, including extra virgin olive oil in a balanced diet may improve brain function and lower the risk of cognitive decline and neurodegenerative illnesses.⁶
3. Vitamin E
Vitamin E is well known for its ability to act as an antioxidant. It acts to negate the actions of free radicals. These are extremely reactive chemicals that can harm cells and cause a number of health problems. Vitamin E also improves cellular health overall and may help lower the risk of chronic diseases by battling oxidative stress.
Vitamin E has been linked to potential advantages for cardiovascular function. It might assist in preventing the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), also known as "bad" cholesterol. However, there is conflicting information regarding how well vitamin E intake reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease.⁷
Vitamin E is frequently included in skincare products due to its potential advantages for the skin. It can assist in preventing skin damage from ultraviolet (UV) radiation and may promote wound healing.⁸
Finally, vitamin E helps in maintaining a strong immune system. The immune response depends on the integrity of cell membranes, which this vitamin helps to maintain.
Health Benefits of Omega XL
While the official Omega XL website makes a number of claims about the product, including helping you to 'sleep like a baby' and improve your energy levels, the product has two key health benefits:
1. Joint Support
Joint discomfort and ailments like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are linked to chronic inflammation. OmegaXL may ease joint pain by lowering inflammation and promoting general joint health.
The omega-3 fatty acids in OmegaXL can lessen the body's production of inflammatory indicators and relieve joint pain. Interleukins and prostaglandins are two of these markers contributing to joint pain and inflammation. OmegaXL may lessen joint pain by regulating the synthesis of these inflammatory markers.
Incorporating a collagen supplement can also help support joint health.
2. Supports Immunity
OmegaXL may support a healthy immune response by lowering inflammation. The EPA and DHA in OmegaXL have been researched for their anti-inflammatory characteristics.⁹
Omega-3 fatty acids are vital for maintaining the integrity of cell membranes. They support the fluidity and flexibility of cell membranes, which are essential for immune cell communication and operation. Immune cells need healthy cell membranes to recognize and react to infections effectively.
Another way to support your immunity is with using zinc supplements.
Side Effects of Omega XL
There are no major side effects connected to Omega XL. However, some users have experienced minor effects, including nausea, bloating, and gas. Because the key ingredient in this product is an extract of the green-lipped mussel, people with an allergy or intolerance to shellfish should not take Omega XL.
Real Customer Reviews of Omega XL
The official Omega XL website boats 15000+ positive user reviews. However, you find a more mixed balance of reviews when you go beyond the controlled platform. Here are a couple of typical reviews I found on Amazon.
3 Alternatives to Omega XL
There are a lot of fish oil and joint relief supplements on the market, with the quality ranging from terrible to outstanding. Here's an overview of three popular alternatives to Omega XL.
1. FlexAgain
FlexAgain is the most comprehensive joint health supplement on our list, with a whopping 11 fully dosed ingredients designed to support joint mobility, flexibility and overall health it’s a fantastic choice for pretty much anyone.
With FlexAgain being a 4 capsule a day supplement, you do get an awful lot for your money in a months supply. FlexAgain is manufactured by FA Nutra in the USA in FDA registered facilities. It’s main drawback is that like a lot of joint supplements it isn’t vegan.
Each serving of FlexAgain contains the following:
- 1100mg omega 3
- 500mg curcumin extract
- 50mg methylsulfonylmethane
- 250mg Ginger extract (hydroxymethoxyphenyl 30%)
- 400mg glucosamine
- 250mg chondroitin
- 100mg bromelain
- 100mg Boswellic acid
- 100mg resveratrol
- Vitamin D 15 mcg
- Vitamin K2 70mcg
If that looks like a lot, it’s because it is, and we can verify that almost everything in here has been tested at these exact doses in clinical trials to improve either joint mobility or joint health.
Some of the extracts should be pretty well known to most people, with omega 3, and vitamins D and K being the obvious ones. What people may not know is nearly half of all US adults are deficient in vitamin D, which exacerbates joint pain.
Their ginger and galangal extract is particularly interesting, and it’s actually slightly more potent in the gingerol hydroxy methoxyphenyl (the anti inflammatory ingredient in ginger) than the patented Eurovita 77 which has been shown to be as effective as 3 grams of ginger in clinical trials at reducing pain and inflammation.
Curcumin from turmeric has also been trialled in this dose against nonsteroidal pain medications and shown to be almost or equally effective for most people. Glucosamine and chondroitin come in as a pretty standard affair, with both having been repeatedly trialled and shown a reduction in joint pain, although they’re not the best for improving mobility.
Bromelain and Boswellic acid are also pretty par for the course, and have been shown to aid inflammation and make it into a lot of other joint supplements.
Lastly we have resveratrol, which isn’t all too common in joint health supplements, although it has been shown to be effective. It seems to work in a similar way to omega-3 and also has a host of brain health benefits in the 100mg dose which is a nice added benefit.
A one month supply is $60 making it one of the more expensive options on our list, but with a 90 day money back guarantee and more fully dosed ingredients than anything else on our list, it’s well worth the price.
Pros
- Most comprehensive joint supplement out there
- High Omega-3 dose
- High Gingerol content
- Money-back guarantee
Cons
- Sometimes unavailable
FlexAgain is the most comprehensive joint health supplement on our list, with a whopping 11 fully dosed ingredients designed to support joint mobility, flexibility and overall health it’s a fantastic choice...
2. Performance Lab Flex
Performance Lab Flex is marketed as the world's most advanced joint health supplement. Its natural ingredients blend supports cartilage, ligaments, and tendons. The key ingredients in this product are turmeric, Boswellia serrata, glucosamine, and phytodroitin. Again, this product has no omega-3 fatty acids, though Performance Labs does produce a stand-alone omega-3 product.
Some of the ingredients in Performance Lab Flex are slightly underdosed, such as glucosamine. It also lacks some key ingredients, such as vitamin D3 and omega fatty-3 acids. On the plus side, Performance Labs has an excellent reputation for producing quality supplements that are cost-effective and pure.
Pros
- Highly respected manufacturer
- Relieves joint pain
- Vegan
- Transparent ingredients
Cons
- Missing some key ingredients
Performance Lab® Flex ultramodern joint nutrients are curated and combined for active joint demands. Flex soothes and protects achy joints with easy-on-the-stomach botanicals...
3. Physio Flex Pro
Physio Flex Pro is a highly touted joining supplement that contains many of the most well-researched ingredients in respectable doses. However, it does not contain omega-3 fatty acids, so it is not, in that respect, a direct competitor to Omega XL. However, you can purchase Physio Flex Pro and a store-brand omega supplement for about the same price as Omega XL.
Physio Flex Pro contains the following ingredients:
- Selenium (200 mcg)
- Glucosamine HCL (500 mg)
- Bromelain (300 mg)
- Ginger extract (250 mg)
- Chondroitin (100 mg)
- Methylsulfonylmethane (100mg)
Selenium is quite a unique ingredient in Physio Flex Pro. It can block enzymes that break down cartilage and has powerful antioxidant properties. The 500 mg of glucosamine, another research-backed joint supporter, is slightly lower than some competitors. However, that's actually a positive, as it has been shown to have some unpleasant side effects at high dosages.
Pros
- Contains research-backed ingredients at effective doses
- Reduces joint pain
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- Does not contain omega-3 fatty acids
Physio Flex Pro is a research based joint support complex. Using natural ingredients, Physio Flex Pro nourishes and lubricates your joints while relieving pain and protecting cartilage...
Omega XL FAQs
Is Omega XL approved by the FDA?
No, Omega XL is not approved by the FDA. That is because the FDA does not approve dietary supplements. Instead, the FDA's responsibility is to oversee the production, labeling, and marketing of dietary supplements to guarantee their safety and accuracy. FDA regulations require manufacturers of dietary supplements to adhere to good manufacturing practices (GMPs) and appropriately label their products with the necessary component information.
It's crucial to use caution when buying omega supplements and to pick good ones from reliable producers who adhere to FDA regulations and have a reputation for high quality and security.
How much does Omega XL cost every month?
A one-month supply of Omega XL omega oil supplement costs $39.95.
Does Omega XL get rid of inflammation?
Although the Omega XL supplement contains research-backed inflammatory fighters like EPA and DHA, it is not guaranteed to eliminate inflammation for all people. The ability of the product to reduce inflammation depends on such factors as the cause of the inflammation, the person's general health, and their general diet and exercise habits.
What is Omega XL good for?
Omega XL supplements reduce inflammation, support healthy joints, improve cardiovascular health, boost cognitive functioning, and improve eye health.
Summary
Despite the name, Omega XL does not impress in terms of ingredient dosage and range. The fact that this is a proprietary blend is another check mark against this product. The nail in its coffin, though, is its high price point. You are better off investing in a joint support supplement with a better ingredient profile, such as Flexagain, and then adding a generic omega-3 supplement.
FlexAgain is the most comprehensive joint health supplement on our list, with a whopping 11 fully dosed ingredients designed to support joint mobility, flexibility and overall health it’s a fantastic choice...
Interested in more joint support supplements? Check out our articles on the Best Joint Supplements and Best Omega-3 Supplements.
References
- Abshirini, Maryam, et al. "Green-Lipped (GreenshellTM) Mussel (Perna Canaliculus) Extract Supplementation in Treatment of Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review." Inflammopharmacology, 18 Mar. 2021
- Coulson, Samantha, et al. "Green-Lipped Mussel (Perna Canaliculus) Extract Efficacy in Knee Osteoarthritis and Improvement in Gastrointestinal Dysfunction: A Pilot Study." Inflammopharmacology, vol. 20, no. 2, 26 Feb. 2012, pp. 71–76
- Miller, T. E., et al. "Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Glycogen Extracted FromPerna Canaliculus (NZ Green-Lipped Mussel)." Agents and Actions, vol. 38, no. S2, June 1993, pp. C139–C142
- Nocella, Cristina, et al. "Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Cardiovascular Diseases: Benefits for Human Health." Endocrine, Metabolic & Immune Disorders Drug Targets, vol. 18, no. 1, 2018, pp. 4–13
- De Santis, Stefania, et al. “Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Lesson from Nutrigenomics.” Nutrients, vol. 11, no. 9, 4 Sept. 2019
- Yubero-Serrano, Elena M., et al. "Extra Virgin Olive Oil: More than a Healthy Fat." European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, vol. 72, no. S1, 28 Nov. 2018, pp. 8–17
- Miyazawa, Taiki, et al. "Vitamin E: Regulatory Redox Interactions." IUBMB Life, vol. 71, no. 4, 25 Jan. 2019, pp. 430–441
- Thiele, Jens J., and Swarna Ekanayake-Mudiyanselage. "Vitamin E in Human Skin: Organ-Specific Physiology and Considerations for Its Use in Dermatology." Molecular Aspects of Medicine, vol. 28, no. 5-6, Oct. 2007, pp. 646–667
- Crupi, Rosalia, and Salvatore Cuzzocrea. "Role of EPA in Inflammation: Mechanisms, Effects, and Clinical Relevance." Biomolecules, vol. 12, no. 2, 1 Feb. 2022, p. 242
Steve Theunissen
Author