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Omega XL

Omega XL

Overall Rating

2.3

40 Customer Reviews

Summary

OmegaXL is a daily supplement containing New Zealand mussel extract that allegedly reduces your joint pain and inflammation. Clinical evidence of the ingredients are still lacking, however.

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Omega XL Review: Is It Safe and Effective?

By Anthony Dugarte, M.D., C.S.C.S

Updated on: Jun 23, 2020

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What Is Omega XL?

Omega XL is a nutritional supplement that allegedly addresses your joint pain and inflammation by utilizing a concentrated extract containing up to 22 times more free fatty acids than regular fish oil.

Omega XL is manufactured by Great HealthWorks based out of Hollywood, FL.

This review analyzes the product's efficacy and safety to help you determine whether it's right for you.

How Does It Work?

Omega XL claims to offer a highly concentrated formulation of 30 fatty acids.

The company lists the supplement’s active ingredients as a Perna canaliculus proprietary oil extract, natural monounsaturated olive oil, and Vitamin E.

They also boast about providing “22x more omega-3 fatty acids than standard fish oil capsules.” You won’t find any information detailing the amount of these active ingredients per capsule, or per serving, however.

Of the many omega-3s, the most discussed include alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Omega XL claims to offer EPA and DHA among the 30 fatty acid blend.

Omega-3s are thought to have wide-ranging effects such as improving mental health, reducing the risk for heart disease, fighting inflammation, and alleviating joint pain.

Perna canaliculus, or the New Zealand Green-Lipped Mussel, provides much of the fatty acids Omega XL claims to offer. They report that their supply of mussels are sourced from “pristine” waters where they are harvested after 18 months.

As there are 60 soft gels in a bottle, perceivably 1 serving is 2 soft gels. Omega XL recommends taking the capsule with meals if you have a sensitive stomach, though they provide no information regarding use beyond this.

Effectiveness of The Ingredients

Most of the research regarding this mussel seems to be related to arthritis.

In a 2017 study of a brand name supplement with green-lipped mussel extract known as BioLex, 80 patients with moderate to severe arthritis in their hips or knees were given either 600mg of BioLex daily or a placebo for twelve weeks.

The results of this study were mixed.

Studies such as this one have not provided a great deal of evidence that green-lipped mussel extract helped with immediate pain relief. However, after 12 weeks these subjects did reduce their paracetamol use compared to subjects who took a placebo.

A therapeutic evaluation from 2015 suggests this mussel does offer wider anti-inflammatory properties and may be able to boost the effects of NSAIDs medications when taken together.

In a review of 4 randomized trials, doses of green-lipped mussel extract ranging from 210-1150mg/day all seemed to offer clinical benefit. Two of the 4 studies were thrown out, however, as the scientific method and statistical analysis were unsatisfactory.

This review highlights the mixed nature of current data, as well as the need for much more work to characterize the benefits.

In 49 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, those randomized to receive olive oil capsules containing 6.8 gm of oleic acid had less benefit when compared to subjects receiving fish oil supplements, particularly at high doses.

In 43 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, those randomized to receive fish oil omega-3 fatty acids (3 g/d) and 9.6 mL of olive oil over 24-weeks experienced more relief than those that received placebo or fish oil alone.

A recent review of available research points to mixed results regarding any potential benefit with Vitamin E in those with joint pain, particularly osteoarthritis.

While 200-400mg doses were associated with improved walking, standing, and patient-reported benefits, many other studies found a negligible or negative relationship between vitamin E and joint health.

The Takeaway:

Scientific support for joint relief from Perna canaliculus use in human subjects is minimal. Furthermore, questionable methods and statistical analysis were used in much of the available literature. More work is needed to clarify any potential benefit for joint pain.

The available data regarding joint relief with olive oil supplementation is mixed, though when added to fish oil supplementation, the benefits may be greater than with fish oil alone.

Vitamin E and the potential for joint pain relief has been extensively studied in subjects with osteoarthritis. Though support exists, the results are mixed.

While strong support for the ingredients in this supplement is lacking, we also do not know the total, or individual, amounts of the ingredients.

Side Effects

According to the product’s website, there are no known side effects or drug interactions, and Omega XL is even safe to use for individuals with shellfish allergies.

This may not be the case, however, as mussels do possess a known allergenic protein, Per v 1. Mussels are the least likely shellfish to cause a reaction.

Even at doses up to 1150mg daily, no adverse effects were reported with green-lipped mussel extract. Olive oil supplementation was similarly safe at 9.6mL daily over 24-weeks. Vitamin E was safe up to 400mg daily.

Of course, this information is not as helpful as it could be as we do not have information regarding the amounts of each active ingredient offered in Omega XL.

For omega-3 supplements in general, reported side effects include bleeding, impaired immune function, and impaired lipid and glucose metabolism, though they are likely safe up to even 5,000mg per day.

The Takeaway:

While safe in general, we do not know the amount of each ingredient included in Omega XL. It is best to speak with a physician before use.

The Cost

At the time of writing, you can buy Omega XL directly from the manufacturer as a buy-one-get-one-free deal for $39.95, plus applicable taxes and $4.95 for shipping. For this, you’ll receive 120 soft gels (two bottles of 60 soft gels each), which translates into a 60-day supply.

Keep in mind that as soon as you place your order, you’ll be enrolled in the company’s auto-ship program. As a result, you’ll be sent a fresh 30-day supply of Omega XL once per month, and your credit card will be charged $39.95, plus shipping and handling.

Omega XL comes with a 60-day refund policy, which begins the day your order is placed, less shipping and handling charges. Outside this 60-day period, no refunds will be honored.

Omega XL

Buy Omega XL from Amazon:

Omega XL costs $47.99 for a 60-count bottle, with free shipping. (Single purchase, no subscription.) It is recommended that you take 2 soft gels each day, so one bottle is equal to a 30-day supply.

$48.99 (60 count)

Customer Reviews and Complaints

This supplement has several hundred reviews on Amazon and averages four stars.

Most positive reviewers wrote that the supplement soothed their pain symptoms and made their joints feel better. Many wrote that they had to take the supplements for several weeks before they started noticing any improvements.

The most common complaints include failure to work, too little transparency about ingredients, and the high price point. Others mentioned that the capsules arrived fused as if they had melted during shipping.

According to consumer reviews on our website, Omega XL isn’t a fan favorite. The supplement earned 2.4 stars after 35 reviews.

HighYa reviewers took issue with the company’s subscription policy and wrote that it was difficult to cancel their orders.

Others felt like the product didn’t deliver any of the promised benefits and that it cost too much compared to competing supplements.

Alternative Products

Omega XL isn’t your only option if you’re interested in trying out the benefits of New Zealand green-lipped mussel.

Two popular alternatives include the Swanson Green-Lipped Mussel supplement and the FoodScience of Vermont Sea Mussel supplement.

We chose to look at these products because they have high ratings on Amazon and contain Perna canaliculus as their main ingredient.

Each bottle of Swanson supplements contains 60 capsules and gives you 500mg of freeze-dried mussel per serving. Unlike Omega XL, the mussel is the only ingredient in the Swanson supplement.

Customer reviews on both Amazon and the Swanson store are primarily favorable. This product earns four stars out of five on both platforms, with many reviewers saying that it left them pain-free after numerous other remedies failed to work.

Most of the negative reviews we read seemed to come from people who didn’t appreciate the fishy aftertaste or who thought the supplement didn’t work as described for their symptoms.

Pricewise, you’ll pay between $4 and $8.99 for sixty capsules (a two-month supply).

In contrast, you’ll get 180 capsules from FoodScience of Vermont for $25. That’s about $0.14 per capsule, which is more expensive than Swanson ($0.06–$0.15) but cheaper than Omega XL ($0.37).

However, it’s suggested that you take two capsules at a time for both FoodScience and Omega XL, so the real price per serving is $0.30 and $0.74, respectively.

This brand averages four stars out of five after more than 120 reviews, and it contains nothing but mussel, alfalfa leaf, gelatin, and cinnamon oil for flavoring.

The Bottom Line

Support for the efficacy of this supplement is lacking. Even the most extensively studied ingredient provides us only with mixed results.

There are many similar nutritional supplements on the market, so it may be worth your time to do some research.

Both the Swanson and FoodScience of Vermont supplements we referenced above are a fraction of the price of Omega XL and don’t automatically enroll you in an auto-ship program.

You might find that they are a better way to experiment with whether Perna canaliculus will work for you, though having a conversation with your primary physician before use is your best bet.

Customer Reviews

2.3 Stars out of 40 Reviews
5 Star:25% 4 Star:5% 3 Star:2% 2 Star:7% 1 Star:60%
33% Recommend This Product
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Posted on Oct 3, 2018

Doesn't work! Terrible customer service!

By John N., Norco, CA, Verified Reviewer

Exactly one month ago on September 2, 2018, I saw the infomercial with Larry King. I was skeptical at first, but, believed he wouldn't endorse anything that wasn't legit. Wow! What a fool I was! I was also intrigued by the 90-day refund policy. Anyhow, I ordered it and tried it fully for 30 days. It doesn't work! Waste of money! I wish I had checked the reviews online!

Then, I just found out that they took another payment from my credit card without my permission. I tried to contact them with nothing but rudeness and the run around! No worries. I contacted my bank and disputed the transaction and future transactions by them! I hope this realistic review saves a lot of people from getting taken like me!

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Helpful Review? 179 People Have Voted

Posted on Oct 19, 2016

Just try and cancel your order! They won't let you!

By Boyd Moretti, Lyman, WY, Verified Reviewer

When you call to cancel you push #3 and wait 45 minutes, then they will not accept that you want to cancel. They try another sales pitch, even if you are very very polite, they will not let you cancel!

It is a very painful process, they do not understand the words “Please cancel my order”, they pressure you and try multiple tactics and even say they will cut your costs in half. But they won't cancel your shipments.

I wanted to cancel because after 8 months of using it, I honestly felt no change. I just want to cancel my order!

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Helpful Review? 162 People Have Voted

Posted on Dec 13, 2016

Side effects

By Miguel C, Fresno, CA, Verified Reviewer

I normally steer away from products that make such claims as Omega XL. Truth is, I live with pain and decided to take my chances with this product. I called and while talking to the rep, the first flag came up when she mentioned the autoship. She spoke so wonderfully about the product that I didn't put up much of a fight to avoid the autoshipment.

Second flag came up when she said I had to overload on the product for the first month. I had the same issue with Herbalife when one of their distributors wanted me to take their pills by the handful. I called the Herbalife rep service and told them that if I had to do that in order for their product to work, then it didn't have the potency they claimed it had. I stopped taking Herbalife and don't recommend it to anyone. But the pain I have been living with took down these flags and I ordered Omega XL.

I was very excited to begin taking it. When it arrived, I started overdosing myself with it, as recommended by the rep. Four pills a day, two in the morning, two in the afternoon. About to days later, I started having light headaches. I didn't pay much attention to it because my head hurts from time to time, due to chronic neck pain. But after a few more days the headache intensified. It was not the regular headache I used to get. This was more like a deep brain piercing headache. I gave it a few more days and the headache continued, stronger by the day. I concluded that it had to be the Omega XL.

I stopped taking it and the headache was gone by the next day. I don't recommend this product. Based on my experience, it doesn't work and it can cause harm to the users. If anyone is willing to give a try, be cautious about it and I would suggest not to follow their initial overdose recommendation. The cancelation process wasn't to bad. The rep did try to get me to keep taking the product and keep the autoship, but I told him that after my experience I wasn't going to take it anymore. I'm thankful that my credit card has a block mode that I can have on or off at will. I blocked it and it prevented them from charging the second shipment. I didn't have time to call before the due date for the second shipment came around and they would have charged me for it plus for some bogus probiotic product they got me to buy with my initial order.

Eating healthy, and exercising will give us better results than taking these overpriced products, minus the side effects.

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Helpful Review? 139 People Have Voted

Posted on Jun 25, 2016

SCAM

By JOSEPH, FLORIDA, Verified Reviewer

I had called to ask questions and to make sure that I would not be put on automatic autoship.

The agent I spoke with told me that I would not be. I then stated that I would call back as I needed to speak with my partner.

The agent, Linda, I believe, told me that she was a supervisor and there was no guarantee that I would get her again, and she would have to be the one to note that I did not want autoship.

So, you ARE put on autoship.

The reviews I had read are correct, about being put on automatic autoship, and when you try to tell them to stop the shipments, they try to convince to stay on. Even when you tell them no, they still charge you.

If this company has SO MUCH faith in their product, they would not use such sneaky, underhanded, irresponsible, uncaring, disrespectful tactics.

They would have Faith, not only in their products, but for their customers, as well, to know that if this omega really does what it says it does, the customer will call to order more and MAYBE let them know that then they would like to be put on autoship, without ANY hassles, should they want to cancel.

The fact that they treat their customers, the public with such disdain and disrespect, only tells me that they have no faith in their what they are selling.

They are a scam.

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Helpful Review? 134 People Have Voted

Posted on Sep 16, 2018

Worst experience

By Irena R., San Diego, CA, Verified Reviewer

The product is overpriced. I did not see any changes in pain level after taking four pills a day for 30 days. I sent an email to cancel further shipments; there was no response. When I tried to cancel over the phone, person in customer service kept stalling and trying to force me into keeping the membership despite of me telling him that the product did not help me. His demeanor was outrageous and disrespectful; I’ve never encountered anything of the sort in my life.

It took 20 minutes of back and forth on the phone, and only after I threatened with consequences I got a cancellation number. Totally awful experience.

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Helpful Review? 128 People Have Voted

Posted on Dec 5, 2018

Not what it claims.

By Raul N., Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada, Verified Reviewer

After trying this product for three months I was completely let down. It did not relieve pain at all! Nothing claimed in the infomercial is true about this product. The product is available at Walmart - contrary to the claim made in the infomercial that it is not available anywhere but through the company itself. As well, customer service is almost non-existent. Rude. Pushy. Terrible customer service. I DO NOT recommend this product.

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Helpful Review? 125 People Have Voted

Posted on Sep 17, 2018

Be aware!

By Carol H., Maine, Verified Reviewer

Omega XL isn't a terrible form of Omega 3 fatty fish oils. But if you do your research, you will find it is not a top quality of fatty Omega 3 a fish oil. Larry King can get away with promoting it because it is ok. Not great, just ok. It claims in the commercial that you can't buy it in stores. Walmart has it. It always concerns me when I find discrepancies. If you can't get or don't have a better quality in your town than yes, I would buy it.

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Helpful Review? 122 People Have Voted

Posted on Mar 27, 2017

Review of Omega XL

By Nayantra Nand, Edmonds, WA, Verified Reviewer

I was stupid to order this product because a relative (to get that $40.00) recommended it to me and that is the biggest mistake I made. I ordered it to reduce my knee joint pain but I inherited a very severe back pain. I never had a back pain and I am almost 68 and have been sleeping on the water bed for last 40 years. Of course I'll stop right away and will send it back to get my money. I feel outrageous about how people deceive innocent to make a few bucks.

People don't seem to realize that nothing goes with you when you leave this beautiful humanly life few on earth. I would not recommend to any body because I don't want to cause people misery like I'm presently undergoing. I never had a back problem for last forty years but it will get better but don't know how long will it take.

I wish I could give a zero rating but that option is sadly not available.

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Helpful Review? 112 People Have Voted

Posted on Jun 15, 2017

I have a negative review

By Chris Evangelou, Poughkeepsie, NY, Verified Reviewer

I just read all the people who have tried this stuff and see why they said 4 out of 6 people do not recommend it. Larry must have been paid a lot of money to recommend this stuff. I asked my doctor about it, and he also saw the same commercial on TV. He said this was just another placebo that costs a lot of money. Before you spend your hard-earned money, be aware.

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Helpful Review? 110 People Have Voted

Posted on Jan 20, 2019

Scammers

By Avtar R., Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, Verified Reviewer

We have canceled our subscription three times! We keep getting products and charged. I have waisted 10 hours of my life on hold trying to get this rectified! I’m on hold as we speak!

These guys are scammers!

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Helpful Review? 108 People Have Voted

Posted on Jul 11, 2017

Doesn't work

By Brad Cook, Memphis, TN, Verified Reviewer

The product doesn't work like they claim. People need to read the reviews online before ordering this stuff. Furthermore, you should never give a company like this a credit card number and the ability to keep sending you their garbage product. If Americans would wake up and start thinking clearly, then these business scammers would have to get real jobs.

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Helpful Review? 105 People Have Voted
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