Shark liver oil (SLO) is obtained from the livers of sharks, primarily deep-sea shark, basking shark, and dogfish shark. It has for years now been used in Scandinavian folk medicine in the treatment of multiple ailments, including wounds, cancers, heart disease, and infertility.
Today, it is sold as a dietary supplement that promises to deliver similar health effects as before. Research done on shark liver oil attributes to its multiple health benefits to its high alkylglycerol (AKG), squalene, and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content.
Below, we take you through some of the most popular shark liver oil uses and benefits that are certainly backed by science.
May Have Anticancer Properties
Among the most popularly known benefits of shark liver oil is its purported cancer-fighting potential. This benefit is based on the extremely low incidence of cancer in sharks and supported by the oil’s high AKG and squalene content.
In a nutshell, AKG is a type of fat in blood-forming organs, such as the spleen, bone marrow, and liver. Aside from shark liver oil, it’s also abundant in red blood cells and breastmilk. AKG is believed to offer anti-tumor potential via activating macrophage and exerting anti-angiogenesis effects.
May Bolster Heart Health
This is another remarkable benefit of taking shark liver oil. However, scientific evidence regarding squalene is contradictory. On one hand, research attribute squalene with anti-atherosclerotic effects, meaning that it helps prevent or counteracts the buildup of plaque in your arteries, a risk factor for high blood pressure and stroke.
Not to mention, squalene is a precursor to cholesterol production and believed to accumulate in the liver and lower cholesterol and triglyceride synthesis. On the other hand, further studies suggest that squalene may increase total cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Rounding Up
More is bound to come your way when you make it the norm to take shark liver oil. There is little information on the appropriate shark liver oil dosage or for how long to supplement with it. It’s said that intake needs may vary depending on users’ needs and preexisting conditions.
Even though manufacturers recommend taking your shark liver oil supplementation with food to improve absorption, there is no scientific evidence to back this claim. For this reasons, it would be ideal to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions regarding dosage, duration, and intake before purchasing shark liver oil in Singapore.
