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
Scoring methodology
EFSA approval.
Cancer ✪✪✪✪✪
Claims about the anticancer and immunostimulant properties of shark liver oil supplements are mainly based on in vitro or animal studies. Some authors, however, conclude that the alkylglycerols from shark liver oil may be useful as an adjuvant to conventional cancer treatments and as a prophylactic.nnIndeed, one study showed an inhibition of tumor growth and a reduction in the number of radiation treatments and complex lesions when alkylglycerol was administered before radiation treatment in patients with cervical cancer. nn
Posologie
Oral administration
2 g
oil
Synergies
Immune support ✪✪✪✪✪
A study was conducted on 40 very elderly patients scheduled to undergo a surgical procedure who received capsules containing 500 mg of alkyglycerol twice a day for 4 weeks. The 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, along with a decrease in neutrophils, suggesting protection against infectious risks.
Posologie
Orally
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 appear to increase the number of white blood cells and platelets at specific doses. In animal research, shark liver oil enhanced the vaccination-induced increase in immunoglobulins. In human studies, shark liver oil altered white blood cell activity and levels of mediators such as cytokines.nn
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, notably skin lesions, kidney cancer, and bladder cancer, including the syngeneic L-1 cancer. Mono-unsaturated alkylglycerols appear to have the most significant antiangiogenic effect. nn
Usages associés
Effect on fertility
In vivo studies in wild boars have shown that oral administration of shark liver oil (40 g/day, 28 days) improved sperm motility and velocity, as well as an increase in alkylglycerol levels in the semen. 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 for compounds involved in sperm function. nn
Safe dosage
Adults 18 years and older: 2 g
Shark liver oil, a source of alkylglycerols, is safe when used short-term. It has been used at a dose of 1.5 g once daily for 8 weeks. Furthermore, there is no standardized dose. In clinical research, a shark liver oil product was used, formulated in 400 mg capsules 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 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 a lack of reliable and sufficient information.
Breastfeeding women: avoid
Avoid the use of shark liver oil in breastfeeding women due to a lack of reliable and sufficient information.
Hypercholesterolemia: avoid
Patients with hypercholesterolemia should avoid, or use shark liver oil only in moderation.
