Contents
Uses
Shark liver oil is used to make medicine. It is taken from the livers of three species of shark: the deep sea shark (Centrophorus squamosus), the dogfish (Sqaulus acanthias), and the basking shark (Cetorhinus maximus). The liver makes up about 25% of the total shark body weight of these sharks.
Shark liver oil is used along with usual cancer drugs to treat leukemia and other cancers; to prevent radiation illness from cancer X-ray therapy; to prevent the common cold, flu, and swine flu; and to boost the body’s immune system. It is also used for increasing white cell counts during treatment with anti-cancer drugs (chemotherapy). White cells are important in fighting off infection, but many are killed by chemotherapy.
People apply shark liver oil directly to the skin for skin conditions including skin cancer.
Benefits
Shark liver oil is sometimes added to lip balms to moisturize and prevent chapping, and one recent report indicated that it might even help heal canker sores. On the other hand, evidence is weak that it can cure serious diseases, such as AIDS, arthritis, chronic fatigue, and psoriasis.
Most of the promising studies with shark liver oil have focused on its possible benefits against cancer and infections. Unfortunately, many of the trials have been done in animals or have been very small and inconclusive. Many researchers contend that the supplement shows real promise, however, and new, more rigorous human studies are under way.
Cautions
There isn’t enough information available to know if shark liver oil is safe. It can cause pneumonia in people who accidentally breathe it into the lungs.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not enough is known about the use of shark liver oil during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Interactions
None are recorded.
Other names
Aceite de Hígado de Tiburón, Basking Shark Liver Oil, Cetorhinus maximus, Centroporus squamosus, Deep Sea Shark Liver Oil, Dog Fish Liver Oil, Foie de Requin, Huile de Foie d’Aiguillat, Huile de Foie de Requin, Huile de Foie de Requin de Grands Fonds, Huile de Foie de Requin Pèlerin, Huile de Requin, Shark Liver, Shark Oil, Squalene, Sqaulus acanthias
References
Source: WebMD, http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-956-shark%20liver%20oil.aspx?activeingredientid=956
Wholehealthchicago, http://wholehealthchicago.com/2009/05/19/shark-liver-oil/