Green Lipped Mussel Adverse Effects That You Must Know About!

Green lipped mussel adverse effects were intensely discussed and researched over the past years, as the popularity of this shellfish increased and lots of people started using dietary supplements made of New Zealand green lipped mussels.

It's a proven fact that extracts obtained from this type of seafood are excellent sources of nutrients, but what about the potential side effects and contraindications? Is this shellfish safe for everyone, regardless the age and health state, or should it be avoided by certain people?

When are green lipped mussels not recommended?

Green lipped mussel adverse effects usually appear in specific categories of population, such as pregnant women, people dealing with food intolerances and allergies or individuals with severe digestive problems, so these are the main situations in which these extracts aren't recommended without the physician's advice.

Supplements based on mussels have strong anti-inflammatory properties, so they should be avoided by people already taking NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) in high doses.

Pregnant women should also pay attention to the potential green lipped mussel side effects. Although this shellfish is not contraindicated to moms-to-be, the lack of information regarding the safety of this nutritional supplement in pregnant and breastfeeding women should be seen as a good reason for avoiding the intake of mussels extracts during pregnancy and lactation.

What are the reported green lipped mussel adverse effects?

Although most people taking green lipped mussels extracts don't experience side effects, there are still some reported cases of adverse reactions to this shellfish, generally linked with the previously mentioned categories of dietary supplements users.

In people with digestive issues, stomach upset, digestion problems, diarrhea and flatulence may appear when taking mussels supplements. However, these manifestations can be reduced by taking the extract, powder or oil right before or after meals, when the body is more likely to accept it.

Allergic reactions consisting of skin rash, dizziness and nausea were more often listed among the green lipped mussel adverse effects, but these manifestations only appeared in people with pre-existing allergies to shellfish or seafood. Once the supplements intake was stopped the side effects disappeared as well.

Gout was also reported in people using mussel extracts, usually within the first days after starting the treatment, as a reaction of the organism to the detoxification process promoted by these powders. However, this side effect is only temporary as it can be reduced by decreasing the supplements dose or by stopping the treatment for a few days.

Are there more severe side effects induced by these supplements?

The answer to this question is generally no, although fluid retention and liver problems were reported as green lipped mussel side effects in isolated cases (people with liver diseases), due to the high minerals content of this shellfish.

Then, there is one study mentioning hepatitis as side effect of mussel supplements, but this manifestation was caused by the intake of frozen mussel powder, so this adverse effect shouldn't be a reason of concern for people using highly qualitative products according to producers' directions.