Supplements come from various natural sources, from herbs to animal sources. You may be familiar with fish oil. Shark liver oil, like fish oil, is a compound derived from aquatic sources. In the case of shark liver oil, the oil comes from the basking shark, deep-sea shark, and dogfish shark. The oil has long been used to promote health in coastal Scandinavian countries. In natural medicine, shark liver oil is used to support cellular health, wound healing, heart health, and more.
What is Shark Liver Oil?
Much as it sounds, shark liver oil is sourced from the livers of certain
species of sharks. The oil is typically pungent and is yellow or brownish.
Shark Liver Oil is rich in compounds like Alpha-Ketoglutarate (AKG), squalene, and omega-3 fatty acids that are thought to be the active beneficial ingredients.
Shark liver oil is available in capsules, as a liquid, or in creams, and it
can be applied topically to wounds.
Benefits of Shark Liver Oil
You may want to incorporate shark liver oil into your daily routine for
several reasons. Here are four potential benefits of shark liver oil.
Heart Health
Research shows that supplementing shark liver oil can improve arterial elasticity and vascular function. The squalene in shark liver oil may help break up plaque within arteries, leading to better blood flow and cardiac function.
Wound Care
Shark liver used in a topical cream may be beneficial for wound healing. It is thought to work by speeding the production of epithelial cells surrounding the wound and boosting collagen production to prevent scar tissue formation.
Cellular Health Support
One of the most common reasons to supplement shark liver oil is to prevent and
treat cancer. The high levels of AKG in shark livers may offer anti-tumor
effects by activating macrophage cells, and immune cells that work to heal and repair damaged cells that may cause cancer.
Immune Support
One of the oldest uses of shark liver oil is to support the immune system.
Scandinavian fishermen have said that consuming shark livers kept them healthy
despite the cold and dampness of the sea.
A few reasons shark liver oil may boost immune function are:
• Activating and supporting macrophages which can help the body fight off
infection
• Reducing an unhelpful inflammatory response
• AKGs may help stimulate the production of antibodies and Fc-receptors, which
are proteins that have a protective role in immune function.
If you’re ready to try Shark liver oil for yourself, Ecomer Shark Liver Oil Alkylglycerols by American Nutriceuticals is a dietary supplement containing 250 mg of shark liver oil for detoxification and immune health.
Side Effects and Considerations
Although many people experience the benefits of shark vitamins, they may not
be for everyone. If you suspect any health issues in this article, schedule an
appointment with your doctor. Supplements are not meant to take the place of
medical care.
If you already have high cholesterol, it’s particularly important to talk with
your doctor before taking this supplement, as it has been shown to raise
cholesterol levels in certain patients.
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
