Health & Well-Being A-Z

Shark Liver Oil

Shark Liver Oil pills with shark drawing
Description

Shark liver oil comes from the livers of different types of sharks. It is used as a source of compounds called alkylglycerols, which are a type of fat.

The alkylglycerols in shark liver oil might have anticancer effects and help boost the immune system.

People use shark liver oil for cancer, chemotherapy side effects, common cold, the flu, wound healing, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Don't confuse shark liver oil with other marine oils, including cod liver oil, fish oil, or krill oil. Also don't confuse it with other products that come from sharks, including liver extract, shark cartilage, and squalamine. These are not the same.


Is It Effective?

Effective

There is interest in using shark liver oil for a number of purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Is it Safe?

Safety

When taken by mouth: Shark liver oil is possibly safe when used short-term. Doses of 1.5 grams daily have been used safely for up to 8 weeks. It's usually well-tolerated.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if shark liver oil is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

High cholesterol: Shark liver oil might increase cholesterol levels when used in large amounts. People with high cholesterol should avoid taking shark liver oil or use it only in moderation.

Drug interactions

It is not known if Shark Liver Oil interacts with any medicines. Before taking Shark Liver Oil, talk with your healthcare professional if you take any medications.

Herb interactions

There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.

Food interactions

There are no known interactions with foods.

Dosage

There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of shark liver oil might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.

Other names

Aceite de Hígado de Tiburón, Basking Shark Liver Oil, Cetorhinus maximus, Centrophorus 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, Greenland Shark Liver Oil, Leafscale Gulper Shark Liver Oil, Piked Dogfish Liver Oil, Squalene, Squalus acanthias.

Disclaimer

Information on this website is for informational use only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. While evidence-based, it is not guaranteed to be error-free and is not intended to meet any particular user’s needs or requirements or to cover all possible uses, safety concerns, interactions, outcomes, or adverse effects. Always check with your doctor or other medical professional before making healthcare decisions (including taking any medication) and do not delay or disregard seeking medical advice or treatment based on any information displayed on this website.

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