Green lipped mussel Blue Dragon supplements come in two different forms, one containing extra amounts of glucosamine sulphate and the other providing only the shellfish extract.
Each of these dietary products is recommended in certain ailments, so here's what you need to know about Blue Dragon mussel supplements before starting to use them.
The standard form of these supplements is created for people suffering from joint pain and rheumatoid arthritis. The product comes in the form of gelatin capsules, each of them containing shellfish oil (500 mg), cinnamon oil (1 mg) and alfalfa leaf extract (100 mg). The oil is obtained from freeze dried mussels, thus it contains less nutrients compared to powders or raw shellfish.
However, this doesn't mean the capsules aren't health efficient. They do contain antioxidants and fatty acids, which are proven to reduce inflammatory processes, to relieve the swelling of the joints in people with rheumatoid diseases and to improve the functionality of the anatomical structures.
But what about the second type of dietary supplement produced by this brand? What does it contain and when is it recommended?
Richer in active principles than the previously mentioned product, the Xtra formula from Blue Dragon contains green lipped mussel oil together with glucosamine sulphate, methylsulfonylmethane and manganese.
The first ingredient is known to be efficient in reducing the symptoms of osteoarthritis - joint aches and muscular pain, connective tissue degeneration leading to a limited functionality of the joints, swelling and soreness. Obtained from shrimp and crabs, this ingredient in green lipped mussel Blue Dragon Xtra formula stimulates cartilage regeneration, improving the general health state of the sufferer.
Methylsulfonylmethane or MSM is added in this supplement because it has the ability of reducing the pain and stimulating the collagen synthesis. As a result, it stops the degeneration of the connective tissues in joints respectively the worsening of osteoarthritis symptoms. Manganese, the last ingredient added in these capsules, is also active in stimulating the production of collagen and promotes stronger bones.
All these extra components of green lipped mussel supplements produced by Blue Dragon sustain the efficiency of these capsules in rheumatoid and osteoarthritis. But what about the side effects?
Green lipped mussel Blue Dragon supplements are, according to their producers, safe for people not suffering from shellfish allergies, this being the main contraindication for these capsules. However, pregnant and breastfeeding women should also avoid using these products, as there isn't enough scientific evidence regarding the safety or adverse reactions of these capsules during the gestational or postpartum period.
Although this contraindication is common for other brands producing mussel supplements as well, the Blue Dragon formulas are made from oils so they provide less health benefits compared to other products available on the market. But they're more affordable, you may say and this is correct.
Still, your choice shouldn't be based on the price of these supplements as there are other brands producing more qualitative and more complete formulas. So instead of taking green lipped mussel Blue Dragon capsules, you should give yourself the time to check other products as well.