Omega XL by Great HealthWorks is a wildly popular dietary supplement for joint pain.
But before you purchase the supplement, here’s some information you might want to add to your arsenal, including the benefits, side effects, and ingredients used in Omega XL. Plus, we’ve gathered some valuable user insight and reviews about whether this product actually works!
Unsurprisingly, this product fetches a steep price in the market, and you may be wondering if it’s a baseless hype or a worthwhile investment. Look no further. We’ve got your back with an honest Omega XL review!
Pros:
- May help improve joint health, function, flexibility, and pain
- Mini-sized capsules to ease swallowing
- No fishy smell or aftertaste
- No harmful toxin levels
Cons:
- Expensive
- No detailed or full ingredients list
- May cause side effects for some
- May not work for some
- No third-party certification or verification
What Is Omega XL?
Omega XL is marketed as a powerful omega-3 supplement. Having been in the market for more than fifteen years, this product has made millions of sales and is climbing steadily in popularity!
You might ask, ‘What exactly is Omega XL good for?’
According to the brand, this product provides assistance in alleviating muscle soreness and supporting joint health.
Additionally, the brand has also highlighted some key features: Their capsule is mini-sized, which makes swallowing a breeze. Plus, they promise no dreaded fishy aftertaste!
What are the Ingredients Found in Omega XL?
The oil in each capsule contains over 30+ fatty acids and is sustainably sourced from farmed green-lip mussels. This is the spotlight feature of this product, as the brand remarks that this combination of fatty acids cannot be found in any other product in existence.
Because the capsule consists of molluscan shellfish oil, the manufacturers have constructed a proprietary extraction process to remove proteins from the oil that may trigger allergic reactions. Still, if you have any allergies, it’s best to consult your healthcare professional beforehand and commence supplementation only under supervision.
In short, each omega XL capsule contains proprietary oil extracted from sustainably farmed New Zealand green-lipped mussels, vitamin E (an antioxidant to reduce the risk of rancidity), and pharmaceutical-grade olive oil.
Does Omega XL really Work for Arthritis Pain?
Omega Xl is primarily marketed as a potent omega-3 supplement for joint health.
But before we dive any deeper into the details of the product, let’s explore what omega-3 is. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in foods, and the three most important types of omega-3 fatty acids are ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid). [1]
ALA is found from plant sources, including flaxseed, canola oils, and soybean, while DHA and EPA are sourced from animals including fish, shellfish, and other seafood. These omega-3 fatty acids may bring about various benefits to consumers, such as lowering blood fat levels, preserving your heart’s health, and combatting arthritic pain. [1, 2]
Your body cannot make ALA, which is why you must get ALA from dietary sources. Your body can convert ALA to DHA and EPA, but only in small amounts. Hence, it’s also crucial to stock up on your DHA and EPA intake by consuming foods packed with these omega-3 fatty acids! [1]
Based on a multitude of studies, you are more likely to benefit from eating foods rich in omega-3 than from consuming omega-3 supplements. [3] However, for people who do not enjoy seafood or have a diet lacking in omega-3 sources, these supplements are a decent alternative to boost their omega-3 intake.
What about Omega XL?
Omega Xl contains oil extracted green-lipped mussel which consists of over 30 different fatty acids, including DHA and EPA. However, it doesn’t state exactly which types of fatty acids are found in this extract.
What does Research Say?
Numerous studies have investigated the efficacy of green-lipped mussel extract in improving arthritis pain.
- One review suggests that green-lipped mussel extract may help to treat mild to moderate osteoarthritis. However, further rigorous research is warranted to determine the efficacy and dosage conclusively. [4]
- On the contrary, another review notes that there is a lack of compelling evidence to suggest the therapeutic use of green-lipped mussel products in treating osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. And since there are cheaper alternative supplements with more concrete evidence, you may wish to invest your hard-earned money on something else! [5]
- There is more conflicting evidence from other studies. For instance, this one study suggests that green-lipped mussel significantly improves knee joint pain, function, stiffness, and mobility. [6]
- On the flip side, another study observes no significant improvement in osteoarthritis symptoms with green-lipped mussel extract. However, researchers noted that higher doses or a longer treatment duration are worth investigating. [7]
Summary: There is conflicting evidence on whether green-lipped mussel extract/products can improve arthritis pain significantly.
Since research has not proven anything conclusively, let’s explore what consumers have to say!
Positive Reviews
Omega XL has garnered over 14,000 user reviews on Amazon, with a decently positive rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars.
Many users have attested that this product works wonders in improving joint and knee pain, and some added that they did not experience any side effects whatsoever. Additionally, some even noticed improvements after just a week of usage!
Negative Reviews
On the flip side, numerous users revealed that Omega XL has done nothing to improve their joint pain or function, even after months of religiously consuming the product!
Several users remarked that they experienced side effects after consuming Omega XL, including vomiting, diarrhea, weight gain, and gout flares. For the steep price, a large handful are disappointed with the results!
Summary: As with any other supplement on the market, success is not guaranteed. Some have reaped benefits and experienced improved joint function after consumption, while others observe no significant difference.
Omega XL is sold at an exorbitant price, so you may wish to consider both your health and budget before eagerly making a purchase. Plus, it’s always wisest to seek qualified advice from your healthcare professional before commencing this supplement!
What is the Dosage for Omega XL?
The brand suggests consuming 4 gel capsules daily and preferably with food for the first 8 weeks. All 4 may be taken at one go, or you may split them into two doses, taking two in the morning and two at night.
How Long Does it Take for Omega XL to Work?
The brand notes that you may begin to notice improvement after 2 weeks of consistent use. However, the best results are typically obtained after 8 weeks of daily use!
How Much is Omega XL?
As of 17 July 2021, you can get your first order at 39.95 USD for 60 capsules X 2 (due to their buy-one-get-one-free offer). However, their regular price is 140 USD.
They do offer a monthly subscription at a reduced price of 69.98 USD for two 60-count bottles of OmegaXL per month, plus $6.95 for shipping and handling and any applicable sales tax.
What are the Side Effects of Taking Omega XL?
According to user reviews, some experienced side effects such as vomiting, diarrhea, weight gain, and gout flares.
In general, some side effects of omega-3 supplements include unpleasant-smelling sweat, bad breath, heartburn, nausea, diarrhea, and headache. [1]
There’s something else to take note of, say you are allergic to something, pregnant, or breastfeeding. Or perhaps you have a medical condition or you’re taking certain medications, including supplements and herbal products.
In that case, you should consult your healthcare provider to ensure this supplement is safe for you. Even if you do not fall into any of those categories, it’s safest to get professional advice before starting on any supplement.
Is Omega XL Approved by the U.S. Food And Drug Administration (FDA)?
Dietary supplements do not require approval from FDA before they are released into the U.S. market. The FDA places dietary supplements under the umbrella of ‘foods’, and not drugs. Hence, like any other supplement in the U.S. market, Omega XL is not approved by the FDA.
The brand and manufacturers hold the responsibility to ensure the following:
- The “Supplement Facts” label and ingredient list are accurate.
- The dietary ingredients are safe for use.
- The content of the supplements matches the amount stated on the label. [8]
Bottomline: Is Omega XL Worth the Cost?
If your healthcare provider has advised that Omega XL is likely safe for you, you may give it a go if it’s within your means. However, if you have a tight budget to stick to, you may wish to consider cheaper alternatives to Omega XL, such as krill oil or fish oil.
Keep in mind that Omega XL and any other dietary supplement cannot guarantee success or improvement. At the end of the day, you don’t have to make this decision alone! Seeking advice from your health professional will help you make the best-informed choice for your circumstance. You can buy Omega XL online here.
Disclaimer: This article is only a guide. It does not substitute the advice given by your own healthcare professional. Before making any health-related decision, consult your healthcare professional. We have compiled this information through our own unbiased and in-depth research based on the information available at the date of publishing. We do not receive any form of compensation or commission from writing this article.
