Does Omega XL really work for joint pain?
According to the manufacturer, Omega XL is very effective for reducing joint pain. They claim that: “Compared to Omega-3 from fish or plants, extensive research on Omega XL has proven it to be more effective in treating inflammation that causes joint pain.”
Is this really true? Is Omega XL more effective than other omega 3 supplements – be they from fish or plants – at reducing joint pain?
How effective is omega 3 at reducing joint pain anyway?
To answer this question, we need to take a closer look at what omega 3 does in the body and how it interacts with joint pain. We then need to examine Omega XL and compare it to other omega 3 supplements in terms of its efficacy.
Let’s get into it!
Omega 3 and joint pain
How does omega 3 help with joint pain?
This is a simple question to answer.
Omega 3 fatty acids have significant anti-inflammatory effects in the human body. Put another way, omega 3 fatty acids are thought to actively and acutely reduce inflammation across the entire body.
Omega 6 and 9 fatty acids are the types of omega fatty acids most people consume on a regular basis; these are the fats prevalent in vegetable cooking oils, meats, dairy, and so on. These fatty acids are thought to be acutely pro-inflammatory; they increase and promote inflammation in the body. Importantly, omega 6 and 9 fatty acids are thought to promote inflammation systemically; that is, they cause inflammation generally across the entire body.
This is why it is so important to keep your omega fatty acids in balance, maintaining a healthy ratio between omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids (the ideal ratio is said to be around 1:1:1 for minimal inflammation and optimal heart and brain health).
So what has this got to do with joint pain and arthritis?
One of the leading causes of joint pain is inflammation. Acute inflammation from intense physical activity or strains is what causes the throbbing pain and swelling which characterizes joint injuries, while chronic inflammation is a primary cause of conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and generally achy joints.
If you can suppress systemic inflammation, then you can significantly reduce joint pain and even help prevent joint pain from occurring by reducing the abrasion and friction which happens at inflamed joints.
Omega XL and joint pain
Is Omega XL better than other omega 3 supplements for easing joint pain?
The answer is no. Omega XL does not work any better for joint pain than other omega 3 supplements. Omega XL claims to be a special omega 3 oil, but it provides nothing you can’t get from other, substantially cheaper omega 3 supplements.
Let’s look at the Omega XL formula in more detail and we’ll explain.
Omega XL formula
Take a look at the Omega XL formula:
According to the manufacturer and their affiliates, the formula in Omega XL contains PCSO-524; a compound derived from New Zealand’s green-lipped mussels. The fatty acids in Omega XL’s formula work together to fight swelling and relieve pain in the body, mainly through cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX) pathways; these are enzymes intimately involved in the inflammatory response in humans.
However, ALL omega 3 fatty acids act on the LOX and COX pathways to reduce inflammation!
This is not a special property of Omega XL – contrary to what Larry King might say!
Any omega 3 supplement which delivers highly bioavailable EPA and DHA, in respectable dosages, will acutely lower inflammation. Supplementing with a high quality omega 3 supplement on a daily basis will drastically reduce joint pain over the long term, especially if your joint pain is caused by chronic inflammation.