Musselton Green Lipped Mussel Gel

Musseltone green lipped mussel gel is an innovative product that started to be produced much later than the powder, after the properties and health benefits of these New Zealand shellfish were better researched and scientifically argued.

Together with the Pernaton and Mobicosa gels, this is the only product for topical use obtained from green lipped mussels and available worldwide. Although their producers claim these gels are just as effective as the powders and oils, reality comes to contradict them.

So here some of the arguments proving gels made of these mussels are less efficient than capsules in treating arthritis problems.

Differences between green lipped mussel gels and dietary supplements

Musseltone green lipped mussel gel is applied locally, directly on the skin. This means it exerts its action primary on the body area it comes in contact with and only after it is completely absorbed into the dermal layers, it starts acting in a more profound way.

Being given that the gel has to pass through the skin and some fats layers before actually reaching the connective tissues in joints, it may take a little longer for this product to relieve the symptoms occurring in people with rheumatoid diseases. Also, when green lipped mussel topical products are used, the amount of active principles passing into the bloodstream is reduced compared to powders and oils.

This means that gels made of New Zealand mussels, although able to reduce the pain and swelling of the joints and provide temporary relief from inflammation signs, but they aren't actually fighting against the causes that lead to these manifestations.

Another drawback of these products is that they don't come in contact with the digestive tract so unlike powders, Musseltone green lipped mussel gel isn't able to protect the stomach from all the irritation and ulcerations medicines can trigger. Then, the gel doesn't reach the respiratory tubes so it's not effective against asthma symptoms like dietary supplements are.

Also, gels made of New Zealand shellfish are less pure than extracts as the seafood is more processed and mixed with lots of additional ingredients in order to receive its final consistency and aspect. Even when harmless agents like olive or emu oil are used as base for stabilizing the green lipped mussel extracts used in these gels, there's still a problem with the product's final composition and concentration.

Gels made of shellfish contain chemicals and additives, skin penetrating agents and lots of extra ingredients that aren't necessary health-efficient but are needed in order to extend the product's lifespan. The Musseltone green lipped mussel gel for example contains, according to its label, aqua, menthol, propylene glycol, sodium hydroxide and lots of other similar agents that alter the purity and reduce the concentration of green lipped mussel extracts, affecting the product's health benefits as well.

Which are the better alternatives to New Zealand mussel gels?

While gels made of these shellfish are surely efficient in their own way in treating arthritis symptoms, dietary supplements are definitely better as they provide higher amounts of fatty acids, antioxidants, minerals and vitamins to their users. When applying the Musseltone green lipped mussel gel on the skin, it's hard to say exactly how much extract it contains but in capsules and powders, this important detail is clearer.

Also, green lipped mussel extracts - whether we talk about powders or oils - have less potential side effects compared to gels, which can trigger more unpleasant reactions due to their alcohol based ingredients.

Powders have gastroprotective effects and they're helpful in asthma as well, not only in arthritis and joint problems. Moreover, dietary supplements are proven to provide beneficial effects for the skin, bones and teeth, cardiovascular and nervous system, to improve immunity and reduce fertility problems.