Why Omega Harmony?

Stabilized vs. Unstable: There’s a big difference! How does Omega Harmony differ from other sources of Omega-3 fatty acids?

Stabilized vs. Unstable: There's a big difference!

Omega Harmony provides revolutionary support for Healthy Joints and Airways with a patented, clinically proven marine extract that is natural, stabilized and 100% safe with no side-effects!

In referencing the New Zealand green lipped mussel powder, stabilized means that the powder contains active non-polar lipids and unstable means that the powder contains little or no active non-polar lipids, because they have been destroyed by the process of oxidation.

Over many years the New Zealand green lipped mussel has received an array of both positive and negative appraisals in relation to its anti-inflammatory ability. The reason for this inconsistency is quite simple so it is important that we clarify it from the very beginning.

Based on original evidence, it was perceived that the mussel could be consumed by way of freeze drying the mussel into a powder form. It was also believed this would provide the same benefits as raw mussel flesh. This did not prove to be correct and it became quite obvious that the active components were lost somewhere in the processing. Research found that the poor results were caused by the oxidation of the non-polar lipids when they were exposed to air or heat. Nearly all production houses use heat to open the mussel shell so the meat can be removed.

Unfortunately the first medical studies were conducted on poor quality mussel powders. They produced conflicting results and subsequently damaged the name of the green lipped mussel in the International medical community.

Once the Australian MacLab Group developed a patented process to stabilize the non-polar lipid activity before the freeze drying process took place, it was only then the true value of the mussel become evident.

From that point on the freeze dried mussel powder was stable so the essential non-polar lipids could be extracted. The difference is quite apparent when comparing the efficacy of stabilized mussel powder to that of unstable mussel powder. (Dr. Whitehouse animal studies)
Back to Top
Note: There is only one producer of stabilized mussel powder in the world, MacLab/Biomex Pty. Ltd. which is part of the Maclab Group based in Melbourne, Australia. Maclab/Biomex channels this production of stabilized powder only to Pharmalink International Limited for the development of Lyprinol®, the Omega Harmony ingredient, for human consumption.

The reputation being built by stabilized mussel powder supplements and Omega Harmony, may well have consumers expecting the same result from unstable mussel products.

The consumer must therefore be protected by being made aware of the difference between these products.

If a person says "I used New Zealand green lipped mussel and it did not work for me"....... the chances are he used the non-stabilized mussel powder and not Omega Harmony’s stabilized ingredients.

NOTE: There are no regulations we know of that police the use of the word "stabilized" on packaging. Some basic green lipped mussel powders produced by other companies use the word "stabilized" on their packs but they are referring to another stabilizing process.

To ensure that the word stabilized means "active non polar lipids" (ie. anti-inflammatory activity), consumers are advised to only consume pure non-polar lipid fractions. Omega Harmony uses only active non polar lipids.

Dr. Michael Whitehouse - "Stabilized mussel extract (Aust.) is vastly superior to the unstable mussel extract (NZ/UK)
Dr. Sheila Gibson - "Research in Australia and Japan proved that the then currently available freeze-dried powder was unstable and a stabilized process to protect the activity was developed and patented by Biomex Australia. This mussel powder should not be confused with any of the currently available mussel powder products sold in the UK and Europe, including those produced by McFarlane New Zealand under the brand name ‘Seatone’."

Study References:

1. M. W. Whitehouse, T.A. Macrides, N. Kalafatis. et al: Anti-Inflamatory activity of a lipid fraction (Lyprinol) from the New Zealand green lipped mussel. inflammopharmacology 1997: 5:237-246.

2. M.W. Whitehouse, M.S. Roberts and P.M. Brooks: Over the Counter (OTC) oral remedies for arthritis and rheumatism; How effective are they? inflammopharmacology 1999; 7:89-105.

3. S.L.M. Gibson, R.G. Gibson: The treatment of arthritis with a lipid extract of Perna Canaliculus; A randomised trial. Complimentary Therapies in Medicine (1998.6,122-126.)
Back to Top

How does Omega Harmony differ from other sources of Omega-3 fatty acids?
Enhanced potency

A major difference between the Omega Harmony ingredients and fish oils is the amount required to see an effect. Studies recommend fish oil intake of 18g per day, although few people actually manage this amount. Omega Harmony ingredients have been shown to be effective at an intake of 1 to 2 capsules per day. Independent studies have compared Omega Harmony’s ingredients to several foods high in Omega-3 fatty acids. Using an accepted animal model to measure swelling, Omega Harmony’s ingredients have been shown to be:

  • 100 times more potent than EPA Max (fish oil)
  • 125 times more potent than original freeze dried mussel powder
  • 175 times more potent than evening primrose oil
  • 175 times more potent than Salmon Oil
  • 200 times more potent than Flax Oil
No side effects

Omega Harmony has none of the side effects associated with fish oils.

  • No dangerous increases in cholesterol;
  • No reduction in the body’s absorption of vitamins A, E, D and K;
  • No sudden weight gain;
  • No escalated blood sugar levels;
  • No fishy breath;
  • No greasy skin;
  • Safe for people with shellfish intolerances!

Fish oil supplements contain oil from cold water fish such as mackerel, salmon, black cod, albacore tuna, sardines, and herring. The active ingredients in fish oil supplements are essential fatty acids known as Omega-3 fatty acids. They typically include eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Fish oil supplements greasy skin and stools as well as fishy breath.

Serious side effects include an increase in the harmful form of LDL cholesterol, large doses of fish oil supplements needed to achieve the potency of the Omega Harmony ingredients may also cause weight gain and decrease the absorption of vitamins A, E, D, and K from the stomach. If you have diabetes, use caution when taking fish oil supplements, they are reported to increase blood sugar

Taking large amounts of fish oils over a long period of time may increase the risk of mild bleeding resulting in nosebleeds and bruising.

The advantages of Omega Harmony over mussel powder

Omega Harmony ingredients are produced by a gentle extraction process using liquid carbon dioxide under pressure to remove the oils, leaving behind the rest of the mussel flesh.

  • Allergies and food intolerances are triggered by protein or carbohydrates. The extraction method used removes these components of the mussel, making it suitable for people suffering from shellfish intolerances;
  • The stabilization process used in preparation protects the rare mix of lipids and Omega-3 fatty acids present in the live Green Lipped mussel. Other mussel products, such as mussel dried powders have oxidized these components and need a larger intake to see any benefits;
  • Because the Omega Harmony oils are closer to the natural state, they are more easily metabolized by the body and benefits are seen from a lower intake;
  • Capsules are treated to avoid the unpleasant fishy reflux sometimes seen with fish oils.

    • Back to Top