Shark liver oil is an oil obtained from thelivers ofsharks. It has been used for centuries as afolk remedy to promote the healing of wounds and as a remedy for respiratory tract and digestive system problems.[5][6] It is still promoted as adietary supplement, and additional claims have been made that it can treat other maladies such as cancer, HIV,radiation sickness,swine flu, and thecommon cold.[5][7] To date, none of these claims has been medically validated and shark liver oil (alone) is not a medication prescribed or utilized by American physicians.[7] However, it is a component of some moisturizing skin lotions[6] andhemorrhoid medications.[8][9]
Many fish maintain buoyancy withswim bladders. However sharks lack swim bladders, and maintain their buoyancy instead with large livers that are full of oil.[10] This stored oil may also function as a nutrient when food is scarce.[11] Deep sea sharks are usually targeted for their oil, because the livers of these species can account for up to 5–10% of their total weight.[1]
A principal component of many shark oils issqualene, atriterpenoid (C30H50), ranging up to 90% of the oil, depending on the species. InCentrophorus species squalene may account for 15% of the total body weight.Pristane, anotherterpenoid (C19H40), is often a minor component, ranging up to nearly 8% of the oil.[12]
 | This sectionneeds morereliable medical references forverification or relies too heavily onprimary sources. Please review the contents of the section andadd the appropriate references if you can. Unsourced or poorly sourced material may be challenged andremoved.Find sources: "Shark liver oil" – news ·newspapers ·books ·scholar ·JSTOR(March 2013) |
Most shark liver oil supplements have not been tested to find out if they interact with medicines, foods, or other herbs and supplements. Even though some reports of interactions and harmful effects may be published, full studies of interactions and effects are not often available. Although many people have taken shark liver oil, the issue of potential toxicity at the usual doses has not been well studied. Some mild digestive problems such as nausea, upset stomach, and diarrhea have been reported. The safe range of doses for shark liver oil has not yet been determined, though overdosing can have toxic consequences.[5][13]
Some animal studies have found that shark liver oil and its components may raise blood cholesterol levels. A Japanese study found some shark liver oil supplements to be contaminated withpolychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) andpolybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs).[14] PCBs can have harmful effects in humans, and may increase the risk of some types of cancer.[5] People with seafood allergies may also react to shark liver oil.[5]
Shark liver oil has been misleadingly promoted as a treatment for cancer. In addition, it has been confused with the word "Charcoal" in multiple translations. Despite claims that thealkoxy-glycerols derived from shark liver oil could reduce tumor growth, there is not sufficient evidence to prove this to be a viable treatment option.[15]
Traditionally, the people of Bermuda rely on shark-oil based "barometers" to predict storms and other severe weather. Small bottles of oil are hung outside. If the bottle is clear then the weather will be good, while, if it is cloudy, it is advisable to take cover. They are not true barometers, and how they work is disputed.[16]
{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)| Fish | |
|---|---|
| Shellfish | |
| Other seafood | |
| Processed seafood | |
| Seafood dishes | |
| Health hazards | |
| Advisory services | |
| Animal welfare | |
| Related topics | |
