Alkylglycerol: benefits, dosage, contraindications
Other name(s)
AKG, alkyl-Gro
Scientific name(s)
Alkylglycerol
Family or group:
Fatty Acids
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. Some authors, however, conclude that alkylglycerols from shark liver oil may be useful as an adjunct to traditional cancer treatments and as a prophylactic. Indeed, a study showed an inhibition of tumor growth and a decrease in the number of radiations and complex lesions when Alkylglycerol was administered before radiation treatment in patients with cervical cancer.
Posologie
Oral
600 mg
oil
Synergies
Immune system strengthening ✪✪✪✪✪
A study was conducted on 40 very elderly patients undergoing surgery who received 500 mg alkylglycerol capsules twice daily for 4 weeks. Results showed that the risks of complications were significantly reduced in the group treated with alkylglycerols. A significant increase in the number of white blood cells and IgG was observed, as well as a decrease in neutrophils, suggesting protection against infectious risks.
Posologie
Oral
1000 mg
oil
Jurassic surgery and immunity enhancement by alkylglycerols 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
Alkylglycerols may increase the number of leukocytes and thrombocytes. In clinical studies, shark liver oil appears to modify white blood cell activity and the levels of mediators such as cytokines. A study published by Kantah et al. demonstrated that in mice supplemented orally with alkylglycerols at 2 mg/day/mouse for 3 weeks, the number of lymphocytes increased by almost 40% in the small intestine, as well as their production of cytokines.
Usages associés
Anticancer
The anticancer effect of AKG may be due to its property of activating macrophages and increasing cytokine production such as IL-12 and IFN-gamma. The recruitment and activation of macrophages are recognized in primary antitumor defense, while IFN-gamma, a T cell-derived lymphokine, inhibits many malignant cells, either by directly opposing cancer cell growth or through its immunomodulatory properties. Another hypothesis is that tumor cells might not be able to cope with the abnormal accumulation of O-alkyl groups (a form of lipids) in their tissue, leading to their destruction.
Usages associés
Fertility effect
Sperm produce platelet-activating factor (PAF), and this mediator plays an important role in sperm physiology concerning capacitation, acrosome reaction, and gamete fusion. An interesting hypothesis was that Alkylglycerols, which are PAF precursors, could have effects on sperm functions. 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 of shark liver oil, but these results need confirmation.
Safety dosage
Adults from 18 years: 400 mg - 1500 mg
Shark liver oil, a source of alkylglycerols, is safe when used short-term. It has been used at 1.5 g once daily for 8 weeks. Moreover, there is no standardized dose. In clinical research, a shark liver oil-based product formulated in 400 mg capsules containing 250 mg shark liver oil, 97 mg gelatin, 34 mg glycerol, and 19 mg starch has been used. The shark liver oil in this product was standardized to 38.8% squalene and 43.6% alkylglycerols, with a minimal amount of omega-3 fatty acids.
Precautions
Pregnant woman: avoid
Avoid using shark liver oil in pregnant women due to lack of sufficient and reliable information.
Nursing woman: avoid
Avoid using shark liver oil in nursing women due to lack of sufficient and reliable information.
Hypercholesterolemia: avoid
Patients with hypercholesterolemia should avoid, or use shark liver oil only in moderation.
