Why Green Lipped Mussel is a Top Choice for Joint Health in Horses

Joint supplements - where to begin. There are literally thousands of them on the market. Each making a different bold claim. There's hundred of ingredients (some you can pronounce and some you can't) and it's really not clear which ones are worth the money (or not).

I set out to review all the common ingredients that were being listed in the equine joint supplements and consulted over 250 scientific papers to decipher which ones are actually bioavailable in horses (this means they can actually absorb/utilise the ingredient) and then which ones have proven efficacy (they actually work!) in scientific trials/research.

I compiled all my research into one chunky 'Joint Supplements for Horses' guide - which you can read here. It's a bit of beast and I won't judge you for feeling overwhelmed when you see that it's 105 steps long 🫨.

In attempt to make the learning a bit more bite-sized I'm going to call out some of the 'winning' ingredients into blogs such as this one. So first up - Green Lipped Mussel (GLM).

Derived from a species of mussel native to the pristine waters of New Zealand, GLM is packed with a potent mix of nutrients that offer a range of benefits for your horse's joints. In this blog, we'll explore why GLM is a superior joint supplement choice for horses, backed by scientific research.

The Nutritional Powerhouse: What Makes GLM Effective?

Green Lipped Mussel is renowned for its unique composition, which includes omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin sulfate—compounds that are integral to joint health.

1. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: GLM is rich in eicosatetraenoic acid (ETA), a rare form of omega-3 fatty acid that has been shown to possess powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation is a key contributor to joint pain and degradation in horses, and the inclusion of omega-3s in their diet can help mitigate these issues. Research suggests that the omega-3s in GLM can help reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, thereby easing joint stiffness and discomfort.

2. Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate: These are natural components of cartilage, the tissue that cushions joints. Glucosamine helps in the synthesis of glycosaminoglycans, which are crucial for the repair and maintenance of cartilage. Chondroitin sulfate, on the other hand, helps prevent the breakdown of cartilage by inhibiting destructive enzymes. Together, these compounds support the structural integrity of joints, making GLM a comprehensive supplement for joint care.

3. Antioxidant Properties: GLM also contains a range of antioxidants that help neutralise free radicals, which can cause oxidative stress and contribute to joint inflammation and damage.

Scientific Evidence Supporting GLM

Several studies have demonstrated the efficacy of GLM in promoting joint health and reducing symptoms associated with joint conditions in horses. I have the links to the papers in the full guide if you are interesting in reading them.

- Reduction in Lameness: A study published in the Journal of Veterinary Science found that horses supplemented with GLM showed significant improvements in gait and a reduction in lameness compared to those not receiving the supplement. This study highlighted the potential of GLM to improve mobility and comfort in horses suffering from joint issues.

- Improved Joint Function: Research conducted by the Equine Veterinary Journal reported that GLM supplementation led to noticeable improvements in joint function, particularly in horses with osteoarthritis. The study concluded that GLM's unique combination of anti-inflammatory and chondroprotective agents makes it an effective natural remedy for joint health.

- Long-Term Joint Health: Another study noted that long-term use of GLM as a dietary supplement contributed to the maintenance of healthy joints, delaying the onset of degenerative joint diseases. This makes GLM not only a treatment for existing conditions but also a preventive measure for younger horses.

Dosage and Formulations: What’s Right for Your Horse?

For optimal results, the recommended dosage (that is the dosage that has proven efficacy across the scientific trials/research in horses) is 25-50 mg per kilogram of body weight per day. For a 500 kg horse, this translates to a daily intake of 12,500 - 25,000 mg of GLM.

Here’s a quick comparison of some popular GLM products I found in the UK:

Brand	Product	Form	Serving Size	GLM per Serving	Price per Day
Nupafeed	Flex GLM	Pellets	70g	7,000mg	£1.83
Rowen Barbary	GLM	Powder	12g	12,000mg	£0.29
Puptons	GLM Powder	Powder	15g	15,000mg	£0.90
Horse Herbs	GLM	Powder	10g	10,000mg	£0.37

It's worth noting that as a pure ingredient you could of course vary the dosage e.g. feed the Rowen Barbary GLM at 24g per day to provide 24,000mg at a cost of £0.58 p/day or the Horse Herbs GLM at 25g per day to provide 25,000mg at a cost of £0.92 p/day....

There are also joint supplements that include GLM in their list of ingredients but at levels which are well below the published dosage of efficacy.

Conclusion: Why Choose Green Lipped Mussel?

Green Lipped Mussel stands out as a natural, effective option for supporting joint health in horses. Its combination of omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin sulfate offers a powerful approach to reducing inflammation, supporting cartilage health, and improving overall joint function. Backed by scientific research and available in convenient formulations, GLM is a top choice for horse owners looking to enhance their horse's quality of life.

For more insights like this one into more ingredients view the guide here.

More science:

In the context of joint health and conditions like arthritis, pro-inflammatory cytokines contribute to the breakdown of cartilage, the destruction of joint tissue, and the perpetuation of pain and swelling. Targeting these cytokines with specific treatments or supplements, like Green Lipped Mussel, which has anti-inflammatory properties, can help manage and reduce inflammation, thus protecting joint health.

Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are a group of long, unbranched polysaccharides (complex carbohydrates) that play a crucial role in the structure and function of connective tissues in the body. They help retain water in the cartilage matrix, providing cushioning and support that protect the joints from stress and strain. As horses and other animals age, the natural production of GAGs can decrease, leading to joint deterioration and conditions like osteoarthritis. This is why supplements containing GAGs, such as Green Lipped Mussel, which is rich in glucosamine (a precursor to GAGs), are often recommended to support joint health and function.

In the context of joint health, oxidative stress can damage cartilage and synovial fluid, contributing to conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Chondroprotective agents are substances that help protect, maintain, and repair cartilage, the flexible connective tissue found in joints. These agents play a crucial role in managing and preventing joint diseases, such as osteoarthritis, by promoting cartilage health and reducing the progression of joint degradation.

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