Green lipped mussels and their extract are only available from a limited number of New Zealand marine farm operations. Because of the amount of lipids and other nutrients found naturally in this marine animal, many health advocates believe the extract can be a powerful anti-inflammatory remedy in a non-synthetic form.

The Latin name for the green lipped mussel is Perna canaliculus. This marine creature is also referred to as the Green Lips, Greenback, or Greenshell mussel - all trademarks of the New Zealand Mussel Industry Council (NZMIC).

Blue Ocean Institute, a United States environmental agency, has named the green lipped mussel one of the top types of seafood deemed "eco-friendly" in appreciation of the manner in which it is farmed.

The extract from green lipped mussels was first developed as an alternative to fish oils - both of which are high in the essential fatty acid, omega-3. Along with the mussels' omega-3s, extract of the seafood also includes iron, betain, and chondroitin sulphate and all of these substances are purported to have an anti-inflammatory or other healthful effect on the human body.

Recent research has uncovered that spring is the optimal time to harvest the Greenshell mussels in order to extract the most omega-3 and lipid content.

Nutraceutical companies quickly realised the potential for manufacturing and distributing green lipped mussel extract. While it can be a benefit to many inflammation sufferers, not all extract products are what they claim to be.

Part of the problem is that the NZMIC does not have a legal definition in place which defines the necessary components to call a product green lipped mussel extract, other than the fact that it must come from the Perna canaliculus. Consequently, there are some unscrupulous companies out there which market a nutraceutical containing very little omega-3 or other nutrients. As discussed in the previous section, the time of harvesting is important to ensure the highest levels of these fatty acids are present as well as ensuring that the product is freeze-dried quickly after removal so that the lipids do not oxidise.

Rest assured, however, that most products labelled as green mussel extract do contain the natural nutrient profile of the animal. Savvy consumers should carefully examine the label on the bottle and only deal with a reputable company when buying green mussel extract as a health supplement.

One thing to look for is the price. Because green mussels are only available in New Zealand, there are few accredited marine farms which can supply the product - and that makes these supplements fairly expensive. Any company which claims to be able to offer the same quality of extract at half the price is probably marketing a compound which contains far fewer lipids. They do this by packaging the powder left over after lipid removal, which is far less effective in treating inflammation problems. Although other nutritional elements are retained in the delipidated powder, the lipids are an important ingredient in combating inflammation.

Until there is a regulation to standardise green lipped mussel extract compounds, the buyer should definitely beware. Do some research and select a company which has a good reputation for providing quality products before making a purchase.