Mussel concentrate

What is mussel concentrate?

Mussel concentrate is a powder or capsule made from the meat and shell of the green-lipped mussel (Perna canaliculus). The green-lipped mussel is a seafood that only occurs in the waters off New Zealand, where it is strictly protected. The mussels are cultivated in aquacultures and harvested sustainably.

The green-lipped mussel contains many bioactive substances that are important for joint health. These include:

• Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs): These are sugar molecules that serve as building blocks for cartilage, tendons, ligaments and synovial fluid. They ensure elasticity and shock absorption of the joints and protect them from wear and tear.
• Omega-3 fatty acids: These are polyunsaturated fatty acids that have an anti-inflammatory effect and promote blood circulation. They can relieve pain and swelling in the joints and improve mobility.
• Minerals: These are trace elements such as calcium, magnesium, zinc and copper, which are important for bone formation and enzyme function.

Mussel concentrate is obtained from the green-lipped mussel by freeze-drying or extraction. This preserves the valuable ingredients as gently as possible. There are different quality grades of mussel concentrate, depending on how much meat content and how much shell content they contain. The higher the meat content, the higher the content of GAGs and omega-3 fatty acids.

How does mussel concentrate work in dogs?

Mussel concentrate can be used in dogs with joint problems to alleviate the symptoms and slow down the progression of the disease. It can help with both acute and chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis or arthritis.

The effect of mussel concentrate is based on several mechanisms:

• It supplies the joints with nutrients that are necessary for the build-up and regeneration of cartilage. This can reduce cartilage degradation and maintain joint function.
• It inhibits the inflammatory reactions in the joints that lead to pain, swelling and stiffness. This can improve the quality of life of dogs and reduce the need for painkillers.
• It improves blood circulation in the joints, which promotes the supply of oxygen and nutrients and accelerates healing.

Mussel concentrate can be given on its own or in combination with other supplements or medication. The effect can vary from dog to dog and depends on various factors such as age, weight, breed, diet and severity of the disease. The effect can also take several weeks or months to appear, so regular and long-term use is recommended.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of mussel concentrate?

Mussel concentrate has many advantages for dogs with joint problems, but also some disadvantages that should be considered. Here is an overview of the most important advantages and disadvantages:

Advantages

• It is a natural product that contains no artificial additives or preservatives.
• It has a high bioavailability, which means it is well absorbed and utilized by the body.
• It has no known side effects or interactions with other medications.
• It is suitable for allergy sufferers as it contains no gluten, lactose or other allergens.
• It is tasteless and can easily be mixed with food or given as a snack.

Disadvantages

• It is relatively expensive, especially if you choose a high quality and dosage.
• It can have a strong fishy odor, which can be unpleasant for some dogs or humans.
• Overdosing can occur if you give more than the recommended amount. This can lead to digestive problems or blood clotting disorders.
• Underdosing may occur if less than the recommended amount is given. This can reduce or cancel out the effect.
• There may be a reduction in quality if the product is stored or packaged incorrectly. This can reduce or destroy the content of active ingredients.