You may be wondering what the big fuss is about Lyprinol. This product has been in the market for quite some time, though contradictory claims have been made regarding its potency. What are the facts about Lyprinol? Is it really as effective as it is being made out to be?

First, let us define Lyprinol. Lyprinol is a nutritional supplement enriched with lipid groups and omega-3 essential fatty acids. It is marketed as a gold-colored gelatin capsule, safe for regular use by adults and children over 3 years old. The normal dosage for adults is 2-4 capsules a day. It should be taken with a full glass of water and a full stomach. It has been commercially available as a supplement in the United States since 1975.

This product was originally an extract of the New Zealand green-lipped mussel, which is also known by trade names Greenback and Greenshell mussels, and by the scientific name perna canaliculus. It is an edible shellfish found off the shores of New Zealand, including the coasts of Stewart Island and Marlborough Sound. It has been a traditional component of the diet of people living in the New Zealand coastline, who were found to suffer from rheumatic disorders very rarely.

In 1960 scientists from the UK and the US called for natural substances that contain extracts that may be effective in fighting cancer. The New Zealand Fishing Industry Board presented greenback mussels for the study. Upon testing, it was revealed that the mussel extracts did not combat cancer, but did significantly alleviate symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

In 1999, a researcher approached the New Zealand media with claims that he had found something in green-lipped mussel extract that could cure cancer. Within two days $2 million worth of Lyprinol products were sold in the New Zealand market. The original manufacturer was severely criticized for publicizing these claims, and as a response this manufacturer stopped distributing Lyprinol products. Other manufacturers continued to distribute it, however, and the situation stabilized when a decision was reached for Lyprinol to be marketed not as a therapeutic drug but as a dietary supplement.

The chemicals held responsible for this are the omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids that are inherent in the mussel extracts. The extracts (also the commercially available Lyprinol capsule) contain the latter two of the three important omega-3 acids: alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). They also contain stearidonic acid (SDA) and eicosateronic acid (ETA). These acids serve a number of beneficial functions in the body. Among them are:

1. Improving blood circulation by facilitating the dilation and relaxation of arteries, therefore minimizing the possibility of blood clotting,

2. Assisting in the distribution of nutrients and energy throughout the body by speeding up metabolism

3. Preventing obesity by converting body fat into useful energy.

For arthritis, the acid SDA is especially effective. It inhibits the production of 5- and 12-lypoxygenase, a naturally produced enzyme which is responsible for causing inflammation in the joints, creating symptoms indicating rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Since the mussel extract that makes up Lyprinol contains much of this acid, it is highly effective against these specific conditions. In fact, laboratory testing has proven that Lyprinol is 50 to 200 times more active than fish oil as a health supplement - and unlike fish oil, Lyprinol does not cause blood thinning by affecting platelet aggregation.

Published studies on Lyprinol have been consistent in saying it is effective in fighting arthritis. It is also considered a good alternative to aspirin and other NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), which also combat arthritis and other inflammatory conditions, but may not be consumed extensively by people with gastrointestinal disorders. For joint pains, specifically, Lyprinol may be taken as a painkiller by people with stomach ulcers or hyperacidity, or who have recently undergone surgery in the gastric area.

People with a food allergy to shellfish need not fear: the mussel extract in Lyprinol does not come with the proteins that activate allergic reactions to shellfish. Very rarely, however, this supplement causes side effects like nausea, diarrhoea, or flatulence. It is considered generally safe for adult use. If you are looking for a surefire, all-natural supplement that will help you fight arthritis, you need not look further than Lyprinol.