Green-Lipped Mussels and Joint Support

By Ashley Watson

Perna canaliculus (Perna) is the species name for an edible green-lipped mussel found off the coast of New Zealand, and it was introduced to the United States as a food supplement in 1975. The natives of New Zealand have been including this shellfish in their diet for centuries, and now Perna is primarily used in supplements intended for joint support, mobility, and a healthy inflammatory response.*

As opposed to other ingredients used in joint supplements, such as chondroitin and glucosamine, Perna is a whole-food ingredient that contains a high degree of biological activity. The green-lipped mussel is a valuable food source for New Zealanders because it contains the ocean’s natural mineral balance similar to that found in the human body. It is a source of amino acids, polypeptides, naturally chelated minerals, fatty acids, vitamins, chondroitin sulfates and hyaluronic acid. But this is just one way Perna differs from other joint support ingredients.

Omega-3 Fatty Acid

Perna naturally offers lubrication for joint cartilage and connective tissues because of the Glycosaminoglycans (GAG) and Omega-3-fatty acid contents specific to this species of shellfish.* The omega-3 fatty acids, amino acids, and vitamins are thought to act synergistically to support a healthy inflammatory response and potentially to support joint cartilage and synovial fluid health. *

These properties were discovered in the 1960’s when Perna was part of the search for a natural alternative to cancer treatment. While shellfish did not seem to have any effect on the patients’ cancer, many people involved in the study noticed a difference in joint mobility. This prompted further research into the benefits of green-lipped mussels as a whole-food supplement used to support joint mobility and healthy cell growth within the cartilage.

Dr. Roger Kendall, PhD is the Vice President of Research & Development at DaVinci® Laboratories, and he has helped develop our Perna products, such as Perna® Plus and Perna Pro. His research has been an instrumental part of offering practitioners and their patients a product containing green-lipped mussels for patients who want support for proper joint and connective tissue functions.* In addition to using extensive research to develop these products, DaVinci® also uses the highest quality ingredients.

Harvesting Green-Lipped Mussels

DaVinci® Perna products all contain freeze-dried green-lipped mussels that are sourced from EU/USFDA approved growing areas located in the northern tip of the South Island of New Zealand.  All the mussels are inspected for quality prior to harvesting to ensure that only the highest quality mussels are selected. These strict guidelines guarantee that the mussels contain the highest levels of GAG and Omega-3-fatty acid content.

The main difference between Perna and other joint health support ingredients is that the green-lipped mussel is a whole food, and it has been part of the native New Zealand diet long before supplements were made. Because DaVinci® is dedicated to developing superior products available to everyone, our Perna supplements are made with the most cost-effective steam-opened mussels that are directly sourced from Perna’s natural habitat to ensure purity and quality.

Have you recommended Perna® Plus or Perna Pro to your patients? Share your comments with us on Facebook.