Omega XL is a joint supplement promoted by Larry King that contains natural vitamin E, green-lipped mussels, and various oils and essential fatty acids.
It claims to relieve pain and many clinical joint symptoms without requiring you to speak to your healthcare provider.
I had to experience these claims myself, so I took an entire bottle (not at once, of course) so I could give you inside information on the Omega XL joint supplement.
Pros
- It contains only natural ingredients proven to improve joint health or relieve pain.
- The soft gel capsules are easy to swallow.
- Gluten and dairy-free.
Cons
- Most ingredients are present in doses too low to support joint health.
- The use of green-lipped mussels may cause health issues in some people.
- It is unclear whether or not the Omega XL product contains fish oil.
- It is hazardous for people with a shellfish allergy.
Quick Verdict
Omega XL hides its small-dosed ingredients behind a proprietary blend. The entire blend isn’t enough to provide the omega 3’s for joint pain relief.
For an effective joint supplement, try FlexAgain. It’s better dosed than anything else on the market, contains the correct amounts of 11 well-backed ingredients, and has a money-back guarantee.
Omega XL Ingredients (Proprietary Blend – 300 mg)
The Omega XL ingredients are all-natural, and most have proven useful. Unfortunately, as everything has been lumped together in a proprietary blend that obscures the dosages, we have no idea how much of each is present in Omega XL.
New Zealand Green Lipped Mussel Extract (Perma Canaliculus)
Green-lipped mussel extract comes from New Zealand green-lipped mussels, a mollusk with natural anti-inflammatory properties.
Green-lipped mussels are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, the minerals zinc, iron, selenium, chondroitin sulfate, and many b vitamins, amino acids, and glycosaminoglycans.
Green-lipped mussel extract can improve joint health, flexibility, and mobility, prevent or reduce inflammation, DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness), cartilage degradation, arthritis pain and symptoms, asthma, and ADHD, and even provide several overall health benefits.
However, while New Zealand green-lipped mussels can add these benefits to Omega XL, they will only do so if 375 mg of green-lipped mussel extract is present in each serving of the dietary supplement [1].
A proprietary blend prevents us from knowing exactly how much green-lipped mussel extract is present in Omega XL. The blend itself, weighing just 300 mg, makes it impossible for this amount to be present.
Green-lipped mussel extract also has a blood-thinning effect, so its inclusion means Omega XL is unsuitable for people taking certain medications and potentially pregnant or lactating women.
Oil Extract PCSO-524 (Containing Omega Fatty Acids)
Omega 9, omega 6, and omega 3 fatty acids can improve your brain, heart, and joint health simultaneously, although omega 3 fatty acids are easily the most useful for joint pain relief.
This is because they reduce inflammation, improve synovial fluid production, and boost cartilage health, all of which help reduce joint pain and promote healthy joints.
Many arthritis organizations even claim they can improve rheumatoid arthritis symptoms and osteoarthritis-related joint pain, too.
In the Omega XL supplement, the omega 3 fatty acids are lumped into a blend known as Oil Extract PCSO-524, which does not have any of its sources listed and is in the Omega XL Blend.
It could contain anything from natural monounsaturated olive oil to regular fish oil.
The quantities of the sources, the omega-3 fatty acids, and other free fatty acids they contain are not listed.
It is impossible to know what effects it will produce or whether people who avoid fish oil can use it.
However, at least 200 mg of omega-3 fatty acids is needed each day to be of any use. The blend is 300 mg, and Oil Extract PCSO-524 is not the first ingredient listed.
We know that it will not be of any use in Omega XL, regardless of whether or not it contains fish oil [2].
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Extra virgin olive oil is a monounsaturated oil extracted in the most natural way possible to ensure it retains as much of the essential fatty acids and vitamin E that olives contain as possible.
The fatty acids present again include omega-3 fatty acids, which we already saw are useful for alleviating joint pain, inflammation, and muscle soreness, improving synovial fluid production and cartilage health, and combatting all forms of arthritis [3].
Unfortunately, the same issues we had with Oil Extract PCSO-524 are again present here, as we cannot know what quantities of omega-3 fatty acids or vitamin E are here.
Luckily, based on the amount of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E required to be useful, the weight of the Omega XL Proprietary Blend, and the position of extra virgin olive oil in it, we can determine that the Omega XL supplement does not contain enough to be of any real use.
Pure Olive Oil
Like the previous ingredient, pure olive oil is extracted from olives and contains many of the same nutrients.
However, pure olive oil is not extracted with anywhere near as much care, so its amounts of essential nutrients are much lower, meaning it is far less effective.
This means the only possible reason to include pure olive oil in Omega XL is that it is cheaper than extra virgin. As we have already established, the amount of extra virgin olive oil is too low to be of any actual use, so including this form in Omega XL is essentially worthless.
D-Alpha Tocopherol (Vitamin E)
Vitamin E is a natural micro-nutrient consisting of 8 fat-soluble compounds. Known for its antioxidant properties, it can help reduce inflammation, prevent brittle bones, combat joint and back pain, and improve immune and heart health, especially in older people.
It can offer other health benefits, such as improved brain, liver, and skin health and functions, better metabolism and hormonal balance, and increased nitric oxide and testosterone production.
With at least 15 mg of vitamin E required for it to be useful, it is possible that the Omega XL product contains enough to reduce joint pain, especially if it is combined with fish oil [4].
Unfortunately, as the Omega XL blend makes it impossible to know for sure and clinical trials show that between 50 and 200 mg of vitamin E are needed each day for it to produce its full effects, it will not produce optimal results in Omega XL even if it does contain 15 mg and fish oil is present.
Omega XL Price
Omega XL is in a price range similar to the very costly Relief Factor. It’s available on Amazon for $94.99 a bottle or $85.49 for the subscription.
| Joint Supplement | One Time Purchase (1-2 Months Supply) | Subscription |
|---|---|---|
| Omega XL | $94.99 ($1.58/serving) | $85.49 ($1.42/serving) |
Each bottle contains 60 servings of 2 soft gels. However, the recommended dose is two servings daily, doubling the price per serving in the table above.
Who Is The Omega XL Supplement For?
Individuals With Joint Pain And Inflammation
Omega XL claims to be made for people dealing with joint pain and muscle soreness, with the manufacturers putting together a formula of natural ingredients that clinical research shows can offer some benefits in these areas, although whether they do in Omega XL is another matter.
People Looking For An Alternative To Standard NSAIDs
For those who prefer not to use traditional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) due to side effects such as gastrointestinal issues or heart risks, Omega XL offers an alternative.
Its natural ingredients may provide anti-inflammatory benefits without the common side effects associated with NSAIDs.
My Experience With Omega XL
I started taking Omega XL and expected to see some reduction in joint pain reasonably quickly due to the presence of omega-3 fatty acids. However, after completing the whole bottle, I noticed absolutely no change.
While not experiencing adverse effects was a plus, it still means Omega XL potentially offers no benefit at the dose recommended. Perhaps I’d see improvements if I took double or triple the recommended serving.
However, I’d go through a $95 bottle in a couple of weeks, so I’m not prepared to try that.
Omega XL Reviews By Customers
When looking at Omega XL reviews online, the supplement currently holds an average rating score of 4.2 out of 5 stars on Amazon based on comments made by past users.
However, while some people say they found Omega XL work, most of these people were elderly and had very delicate bones, and they even said that the effects they saw from taking Omega XL were relatively mild.
Most of the other positive reviews of Omega XL then focused on things like the pills being easy to swallow, getting delivered quickly, and not tasting or smelling as bad as standard fish oil.
When looking at the negative Omega XL reviews, though, there were complaints of everything from Omega XL doing nothing for their joint pain or smelling awful to causing an allergic reaction or side effects like abdominal pain, loose stools, indigestion, belching, and other gastrointestinal complaints.
What Was The Omega XL Lawsuit Over?
Omega XL had a class action lawsuit filed against them in 2017 for signing customers who bought a single bottle of Omega XL from the official website up to a monthly subscription without their consent.
While the case was voluntarily dismissed without prejudice in 2018, it still raises major concerns about the transparency of the company’s marketing and the ethics of its fitness practices.
Omega XL Side Effects
I didn’t experience any adverse side effects when taking Omega XL, nor haven’t from any other omega 3 supplement. But that doesn’t mean you may not experience any.
Side effects such as allergic reactions in those with shellfish allergies, digestive issues like bloating and diarrhea, increased bleeding risk, and potential liver function changes can potentially occur.
Some users also report a fishy taste or smell. Additionally, Omega XL can interact with medications, including blood thinners and blood pressure drugs, which could affect their effectiveness.
Before starting Omega XL, consulting with a healthcare provider is advisable to avoid potential side effects and interactions.
Omega XL Alternatives
FlexAgain
FlexAgain is my #1 ranked best joint supplement. It stands as the most comprehensive joint supplement currently available, offering a potent mix of clinically backed doses of omega-3s, curcumin, glucosamine hydrochloride, chondroitin, vitamins D and K2, bromelain, boswellia, resveratrol, MSM, and a uniquely standardized gingerol compound known to reduce joint stiffness.
This supplement includes all the vital natural anti-inflammatories and critical nutrients essential for joint health, fully dosed amounts that can be effectively packed into a capsule.
With its money-back guarantee and competitive pricing, FlexAgain is a top choice for those seeking a no-risk, highly effective solution for joint pain.
You can read my in-depth guide in my FlexAgain review.
Joint Food
While Joint Food includes some practical components like Vitamin C and is third-party tested, many of its ingredients, such as turmeric and MSM, are provided in doses too low to be effective.
My personal experience mirrored this underwhelming formulation, as my joint pain worsened, and discontinuing the supplement showed no change in my condition. The high price point does not justify the efficacy and better alternatives.
I give more detail in my Joint Food review.
Heal N Soothe
Heal n Soothe is a well-known joint supplement touted for its natural ingredient mix, though it delivers a mixed performance.
While it includes some properly dosed ingredients like Boswellia and bromelain, others like turmeric and ginger are significantly underdosed, limiting their effectiveness.
The product is also marred by customer service issues, notably difficulties with subscription cancellations, as evidenced by poor ratings on BBB and Trustpilot.
Although some users have reported mild improvements, the consensus points to inadequate relief from joint discomfort.
I go deep into my experiences and the formula in my Heal N Soothe review.
Osteo Bi-Flex
Osteo Bi-Flex is a widely available, budget-friendly joint pain supplement with a high presence in retail stores, priced at around $30.
Although it offers a variety of formulas, the Triple Strength version, enhanced with Vitamin D, is considered the best.
Despite its affordability and the inclusion of ingredients like high-dose glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM, it lacks several effective components in more comprehensive supplements.
I go deep into the formula in my Osteo Bi-Flex review.
Summary
Larry King may have said that Omega XL works, but based on my experience, I don’t think that it does. Based on reports from past users and scientific evidence, it is clear Omega XL may not relieve joint pain as the claims suggest.
That is why we highly recommend that people try FlexAgain instead of Omega XL. A supplement that can relieve even the most severe joint pain, it is an ideal option for people who want to enjoy healthy joints and a pain-free life.
Best Joint Pain Supplement
FlexAgain
A powerful, clinically dosed joint supplement to alleviate joint pain and improve joint health.
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References
- Abshirini, M., Coad, J., Wolber, F. M., von Hurst, P., Miller, M. R., Tian, H. S., & Kruger, M. C. (2021). Green-lipped (greenshell™) mussel (Perna canaliculus) extract supplementation in treatment of osteoarthritis: a systematic review. Inflammopharmacology, 29, 925-938.
- Goldberg, R. J., & Katz, J. (2007). A meta-analysis of the analgesic effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation for inflammatory joint pain. Pain, 129(1-2), 210-223.
- Chin, K. Y., & Pang, K. L. (2017). Therapeutic effects of olive and its derivatives on osteoarthritis: From bench to bedside. Nutrients, 9(10), 1060.
- Monsen, E. R. (2000). Dietary reference intakes for the antioxidant nutrients: vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, and carotenoids. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 100(6), 637.
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