Directly from the Source to Your Doorstep:
At Lifespan, we proudly manage mussel farms nestled in the pristine waters of New Zealand. Here, we harvest and create a variety of mussel powder products that form the basis of our unique capsules, oils, and creams. These products are developed using state-of-the-art extraction methods to ensure the highest quality.
Recent posts
About the Author
Ben Winters, a key member of the Aroma NZ team, brings an exceptional blend of experience and expertise to the world of marine supplements. With a hands-on approach spanning from sustainable farming practices to advanced freeze-drying techniques, Ben ensures that Aroma NZ's green lipped mussel powder, a globally sought-after product, maintains the highest standards. His deep involvement in every stage, from farm to final product, not only reflects his commitment to quality but also provides him with unique insights that enrich the content of his blogs, making them an invaluable resource for anyone interested in natural health solutions.
Glucosamine and Chondroitin in Green Lipped Mussel Supplements
Glucosamine and Chondroitin are both naturally found in Green-lipped mussels.
The Green Lipped Mussel is a shellfish that is native to New Zealand and is named for its distinctive green-hued shell. They are considered a delicacy and are also a rich source of nutrients. In particular they are a natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin, two compounds that have been widely studied for their influences on joint health.
Glucosamine and chondroitin are both natural compounds that are found in healthy cartilage, which is the connective tissue that cushions joints.
Glucosamine is found naturally in your body, it is an amino sugar found predominantly in the cartilage. It plays an important role in making glycosaminoglycans and glycoproteins, which are essential building blocks of many parts of the joints, including ligaments, tendons, cartilage and synovial fluid. Healthy cartilage is important as it cushions the joints against stress, and synovial fluid is essential for lubricating the joints and enabling smooth movement.
Glucosamine comes in various forms, each with unique characteristics and sources.
The most common types include glucosamine sulfate, glucosamine hydrochloride, and N-acetyl-glucosamine.
Glucosamine sulfate is the most extensively studied form, often used in supplements for its potential to support joint and cartilage health. Glucosamine sulfate is believed to be most effective when paired with chondroitin.
Glucosamine hydrochloride, another popular variant, is known for its high concentration of glucosamine and is derived primarily from shellfish shells. It's often chosen for its purity and is considered a good alternative for those who may not tolerate the sulfate form well.
N-acetyl-glucosamine, less common used in joint supplements, plays a role in the gastrointestinal tract and is used for its potential benefits in addressing issues related to the stomach lining.
Each type of glucosamine serves specific health needs, making it important for individuals to choose the form that best aligns with their health goals and compatibility.
Chondroitin, like glucosamine, is a naturally occurring substance in the body, specifically located in the cartilage surrounding joints.
It supports cartilage water retention, to maintain its elasticity and health. Chondroitin supports the joints by providing structural integrity and resistance to compression, ensuring fluid and flexible joint movement.
Chondroitin, a key nutrient for joint health, is available in various forms, each differing slightly in composition and source. The most common types are chondroitin sulfate and chondroitin hydrochloride.
Chondroitin sulfate, the most widely used in supplements, has potential to help maintain the elasticity and fluidity of the cartilage in joints. It's often extracted from animal sources such as bovine, porcine, or marine cartilage. This form is particularly valued for its synergy with glucosamine in supporting joint health.
Chondroitin hydrochloride, on the other hand, is a more refined version with a higher purity level. It's less commonly found in dietary supplements but is used for similar purposes as the sulfate form.
The choice between these types of chondroitin often depends on factors like individual health needs, dietary restrictions, and preferences for source and composition of the supplement.
Together, glucosamine and chondroitin are believed to contribute to the maintenance and renewal of healthy cartilage, and provide support for healthy joints.
Their roles in the body have made them popular ingredients in dietary supplements, with green-lipped mussel supplements emerging as a rich natural source of both these compounds.
Green-lipped mussels are a rich and unique source of glucosamine and chondroitin. Unlike other sources, green-lipped mussels provide these nutrients in a natural form, which many believe enhances their bioavailability and effectiveness.
Glucosamine found in green-lipped mussels is similar to that in other sources, but its natural combination with other beneficial lipids and minerals in the mussels seems to enhance its effectiveness.
The chondroitin in green-lipped mussels complements the action of the glucosamine. Regular intake of glucosamine from natural sources like green-lipped mussels, is thought to contribute to the maintenance of healthy joint function.
The unique aspect of green-lipped mussel supplements is the natural combination of glucosamine and chondroitin with other beneficial nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids and minerals.
This holistic composition is believed to contribute to the overall effectiveness of the supplements in promoting joint health.
The source of these nutrients, the green-lipped mussels, is also considered sustainable and environmentally friendly, adding to the appeal of these supplements for health-conscious consumers.
The glucosamine and chondroitin found in green-lipped mussels, combined with other beneficial nutrients in the mussels, represents a comprehensive natural approach to supporting joint health.