Green-Lipped Mussel and Asthma: Does Green-Lipped Mussel Help Asthma?

You might have heard the two terms Green-Lipped Mussel and Asthma. But what is the relationship between the two? Well, one is a shellfish originating in New Zealand, and the other one is a chronic inflammatory disease. So, what does it mean when we say green-lipped mussel and asthma? Does green-lipped help in asthma relief? Let’s find out!

What is Asthma?

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects millions of people worldwide. In simple words, Asthma is defined as a condition where a patient’s airways get narrow, resulting in airway inflammation, start swelling, and producing mucous. Asthma symptoms include wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. 

Asthma can be triggered by various factors, including exercise, cold air, allergies, and smoke. The episodes can vary in severity, and some people with asthma may only experience occasional symptoms while others may have daily or even constant symptoms.

Figures show that asthma affects 1 in 9 adults and 1 in 7 children. In addition, 63 people die from asthma each year, accounting for one person a week [1]. Even though asthma can affect your quality of life, you are not helpless. Although people use steroid naïve atopic asthma, the Green-lipped mussel is also effective in asthma relief. 

Check out other benefits of green-lipped mussels to understand how helpful these can be for your overall health. 

What is Green-Lipped Mussel?

Perna canaliculus, or green-lipped mussel, is a type of shellfish originating in New Zealand. They belong to the group of invertebrates, meaning they do not have an internal skeleton made of bone. 

New Zealand Green-lipped mussel is usually found below the low-tide line, but they are also located intertidally (the shoreline area between high and low tide). Although they are considered pests in Australia, green-lipped mussels are important for New Zealand as they play a big role in producing food and supplements. 

Dietary supplements containing these shellfish are becoming increasingly popular due to their health and anti-inflammatory properties. As a medicine, the shellfish is available in freeze-dried, ground, and caps form, although the latter is more convenient.

Asthma and Green-Lipped Mussel

The European Respiratory Journal published the results of the study whose main goal was to analyze the efficacy of green-lipped mussel on asthma. For this purpose, scientists enrolled 46 participants with atopic asthma who had to take the supplement with green-lipped mussel or a placebo for eight weeks.

Results showed that supplement intake was strongly associated with a decrease in daytime wheeze, the concentration of exhaled H2O2, and an increase in morning PEF (peak expiratory flow). It is also important to mention that participants didn’t experience side effects [2], meaning the green-lipped mussel is also safe for consumption.

On the other hand, a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial performed by Emelyanov et al. in 2002 found that a powder made from green-lipped mussel was an effective anti-inflammatory agent in treating bronchial asthma. 

The study found that the green-lipped mussel powder was more effective than a placebo, and there was a significant decrease in symptoms such as shortness of breath and wheezing and improved quality of life for asthma sufferers.

Green-Lipped Mussel and Asthma: Benefits for Asthma Patients

Green-lipped mussels can result in many benefits because of their healthy compounds. The following are the compounds responsible for making green-lipped mussels beneficial for asthma patients:

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

The driving force behind the efficacy of green-lipped mussel is the high Omega-3 fatty acids content. These fatty acids are also found in fish oil. However, the omega-3 fatty acids in green-lipped mussels are more easily absorbed by the body. 

Evidence confirms that Omega-3 fatty acids have the tremendous potential to reduce the production of IgE, the antibodies that cause allergic reactions and symptoms of asthma [3]. 

The benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids for asthma are best depicted by the increasing rates of this respiratory condition correlated with decreased consumption of fish and seafood in modernized diet regimens [4]. Green-lipped mussel helps asthma sufferers through its anti-inflammatory effects on the tissues in your lungs. 

One of the most well-known omega-3 fatty acids is eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). EPA effectively reduces inflammation throughout the body, including in the airways.

Another omega-3 fatty acid found in green-lipped mussels is docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). DHA is also an anti-inflammatory fatty acid. In addition to its anti-inflammatory benefits, DHA has also been shown to improve lung function in asthmatic patients.

Vitamin C

Green-lipped mussels are an abundant source of vitamin C, an important micronutrient whose benefits go beyond protecting you from cold or flu but extend to asthma relief. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can help to reduce airway inflammation.

Studies show that vitamin C positively affects pulmonary function tests, improves white blood cell function and motility, and contributes to the reduction of respiratory infections [5]. Moreover, it is vital to mention that the green-lipped mussel is a great source of zinc (like other shellfish). 

Why is this important? It matters because asthma patients tend to have lower levels of zinc [6] than their healthy counterparts.

Vitamin C is also thought to boost the immune system, which may help reduce asthma attacks. In one study, asthmatic children who were given vitamin C supplements had fewer asthma attacks and used less medication than those who did not receive vitamin C.

Minerals

New Zealand green-lipped mussel extract is also rich in minerals, including zinc and selenium. 

Zinc is an essential mineral that plays a vital role in many biochemical processes, including cell growth, immune function, and protein synthesis. Zinc supplements are often used to treat zinc deficiency, but recent research has shown that they may also benefit people with asthma. 

Studies have found that asthma patients who take zinc supplements have better lung function and experience fewer symptoms than those who do not. Additionally, zinc appears to help reduce inflammation in the airways, which is a key component of asthma. 

Overall, zinc appears to be a promising treatment for asthma, though more research is needed to confirm its efficacy.

Selenium is a trace mineral found in small amounts in the human body. It is considered an essential nutrient, meaning it is necessary for human health but cannot be produced by the body. 

Selenium can be found in certain foods, such as Brazil nuts, tuna, eggs, and green-lipped mussels. It is also available in supplement form. Many studies have investigated the role of selenium in asthma, and the results have been mixed. 

Some studies have found that selenium supplementation can improve asthma symptoms, while others have found no effect. It is unclear how selenium might benefit those with asthma, but one theory is that it helps reduce inflammation. 

What are the Benefits of NutriNZ Green-Lipped Mussel?

Green Lipped Mussel from NutriNZ is a natural yet potent product that contains the blend of extracted shellfish and rosemary oil which functions as an antioxidant. 

Thanks to the amazing potential of green-lipped mussel to reduce inflammation and alleviate asthma, the supplement poses a safe and natural solution to all patients with this respiratory condition. 

The advantage of NutriNZ is that the supplement contains shellfish sourced from only high-quality and licensed marine farms in the South Island of New Zealand. Our lipid extract group, compared to other supplements, is 100% authentic and made with quality ingredients for expected benefits with no or few side effects. 

Other Benefits of Green-Lipped Mussel?

Find out more here…

Side Effects of Taking Green-Lipped Mussel Supplements

Green-lipped mussel supplements are generally safe and well-tolerated.

The most common side effects include gastrointestinal upset, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

It is also important to note that green-lipped mussel supplements can interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners and blood pressure medications.

You must speak with your healthcare provider before starting a green-lipped mussel supplement if you take any medication.

Some people may also be allergic to green-lipped mussel.

Symptoms of an allergic reaction can include:

• Itching
• Hives
• Swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• Difficulty breathing

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to stop taking the supplement and seek medical attention immediately.

Green-lipped mussel supplements are generally considered safe for most people. People use green-lipped mussel oil and lipid extract to treat rheumatoid arthritis and asthma problems. 

However, as with any supplement, it is always best to speak with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you have a medical condition or are taking any medications.

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