Shark Liver Oil: Benefits, Dosage, Contraindications
Other name(s)
Basking Shark Liver Oil
Family or group:
Fatty Acids, Aquatic Organisms
Active ingredients:
Alkylglycerol
Squalene
Squalamine
Indications
Rating methodology
EFSA approval.
Cancer ✪✪✪✪✪
Claims about the anticancer and immunostimulant virtues of shark liver oil supplements are mainly based on in vitro or animal studies. However, some authors conclude that the alkylglycerols in shark liver oil may be useful as an adjunct to conventional cancer treatments and as a prophylactic. In fact, one study showed inhibition of tumor growth and a decrease in radiation and complex lesions when Alkylglycerol was administered before radiation therapy for patients with cervical cancer.
Posologie
Oral
2 g
oil
Synergies
Immune Enhancement ✪✪✪✪✪
A study was conducted on 40 very elderly patients requiring surgery who received 500 mg alkylglycerol capsules twice daily for 4 weeks. The results showed that the risks of complications were significantly reduced in the group treated with alkylglycerols. A significant increase in white blood cells and IgG is observed as well as a decrease in neutrophils, suggesting protection against infectious risks.
Posologie
Oral
2 - 5 mg
oil
Jurassic surgery and immunity enhancement by alkyglycerols of shark liver oil
Multiple Beneficial Health Effects of Natural Alkylglycerols from Shark Liver Oil
[The assessment of the effectiveness of the shark liver oil in recurrent aphthous stomatitis treatment: clinical and immunological studies].
Properties
Immunostimulant
The alkylglycerols present in shark liver oil may have hematopoietic effects. They seem to increase the number of leukocytes and thrombocytes at specific doses. In animal research, shark liver oil amplified the increase in immunoglobulins induced by vaccination. In human research, shark liver oil altered white blood cell activity and levels of mediators such as cytokines.
Usages associés
Anticancer
Animal research has shown that shark liver oil reduces tumor growth. This effect is attributed to the antiangiogenic properties of the alkylglycerol constituents of shark liver oil. It has been demonstrated in animals that shark liver oil has antiangiogenic properties in certain cancers, including skin lesions, kidney cancer, and bladder cancer, including syngeneic L-1 cancer. The mono-unsaturated alkylglycerols seem to have the most significant antiangiogenic effect.
Usages associés
Fertility Effect
In vivo studies on boars have shown that oral intake of shark liver oil (40 g/day, 28 days) improved sperm motility and speed, as well as an increase in alkylglycerols levels in the sperm. These data suggest the possibility of improving fertility through oral supplementation with shark liver oil. It is possible that the increased availability of alkylglycerols in the membrane acts as a precursor to compounds involved in sperm function.
Safety dosage
Adult from 18 years: 2 g
Shark liver oil, a source of alkylglycerols, is safe when used short-term. It has been used at 1.5 g once per day for 8 weeks. However, there is no standardized dose. In clinical research, a shark liver oil-based product was used, formulated in capsules of 400 mg each containing 250 mg of shark liver oil, 97 mg of gelatin, 34 mg of glycerol, and 19 mg of starch. The shark liver oil contained in this product was standardized to 38.8% squalene and 43.6% alkylglycerols, with a minimal amount of omega-3 fatty acids.
Precautions
Pregnant Women: Avoid
Avoid the use of shark liver oil in pregnant women due to lack of reliable and sufficient information.
Breastfeeding Women: Avoid
Avoid the use of shark liver oil in breastfeeding women due to lack of reliable and sufficient information.
Hypercholesterolemia: Avoid
Patients with hypercholesterolemia should avoid, or use shark liver oil only in moderation.
