Clinical trial results confirm arthritic benefits of Christchurch mussel health product trial study

An Australian clinical study trial of a Christchurch-made green shell mussel health product has found arthritic conditions improved by 43 percent for people taking the supplement.

Long time Bromley-based manufacturer Aroma NZ had a trial undertaken by Queensland University to establish the benefits of their product.

Aroma NZ director Ben Winters said they always knew green shell mussel powder gave great results to people and animals who suffered from joint pain and inflammation.

``People had been asking us to carry out clinical studies on our product so we went ahead with a significant clinical trial,’’ he said.

``The excellent trial results just released to us show a 43 percent improvement over eight weeks on arthritis sufferers who took part in the trial. The study proved overwhelming reduction in joint pain and increased joint mobility in patients.

``This was the result we were looking for and confirms that our green shell mussel product definitely contains significant anti-inflammatory properties.’’

Joint pain is so widespread throughout society and not just the elderly whom suffer from arthritis but also young people, sports people from injuries and many others.

``We're looking to spread the good results of our trial and improve the quality of life for both people and animals. We are finding demand increasing every year for people and animal joint care products.’’

Aroma NZ has been producing various products for more than 50 years in Christchurch. Winters’ grandfather had an essences and flavourings business in Rotterdam which he further developed in Christchurch from 1961. They stepped into the health food business 25 years ago and today employ 20 people, processing mussel from Marlborough.

As well as the mussel extract, they produce green shell mussel oil, shark cartilage powder, oyster powder, paua (abalone) powder, fish protein powder, chondroitin sulphate and marine collagen. Aroma NZ exports to 30 countries and the New Zealand market makes up just five percent of overall revenue.

``We are so encouraged by these new clinical results that we plan to carry out larger clinical trials on people. Larger trials with placebo will carry more weight when pitching to pharmaceutical companies,’’ Winters said.

 ``We're also looking to carry out a large dog study with Massey University to prove that our glycomega-plus mussel powder improves joint mobility in arthritic dogs.’’

``We have invested heavily in research and development and we work closely with Plant and Food Research on our marine nutraceuticals. Providing solid clinical data sets us apart from our competition as well as being able to supply large volumes all year round. We are the largest freeze drying plant in the southern hemisphere with eight freeze driers.’’

The New Zealand Food Safety Authority audits Aroma NZ’s factory on a monthly basis which allows them to export worldwide. Strict microbiological and heavy metal limits are set in place ensuring only the highest quality freeze-dried health foods reach their consumers.

Such is the growth in their business, Aroma NZ are opening a bigger new factory in Bromley in September which will allow them to extract omega-3 fatty acids and high quality lipids from marine and botanical ingredients using super-critical fluid extraction without using toxic chemicals or solvents. The new plant is likely to result in an increase in staff.