Uses of Shark Liver Oil
Extracted from the large, oversaturated livers of deep sea sharks, shark liver oil has recently become a popular supplement, which is primarily marketed as an alternative treatment for cancer patients. Proponents of shark liver oil believe that it activates immune response and may be useful in treating many types of disease.
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History
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Historically used as a folk remedy in Norway and Sweden, shark liver oil was applied topically to heal wounds and was taken internally as a remedy for digestive and respiratory ailments. In the 1950s, a young Swedish doctor found that alkyglycerols, which occur naturally in bone marrow, boosted the recovery of white blood cell counts in children suffering from leukemia. This sparked interest in using shark liver oil to fight cancer because it contains high levels of this natural chemical.
Features
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In addition to alkyglycerols, two other components of shark liver oil, squalamine and squaline, are being studied to determine their potential as cancer-fighting agents. Though potencies vary from brand to brand, most shark liver oil supplements contain Vitamin A and are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are powerful antioxidants that protect and heal the cells of the body from disease-causing free radicals.
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Cancer Treatment
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According to the American Cancer Society, it is too soon to determine whether or not taking shark liver oil will fight cancer because studies are in their preliminary stages. Although shark liver oil may be taken safely as a complement to chemotherapy, it is still unclear if shark liver oil will shrink tumors or prolong survival for a terminally ill cancer patient.
Immune System
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Promoted primarily as an immune-boosting dietary supplement, shark liver oil may be taken to fight infection and heal wounds. Shark liver oil may also be useful in fighting off colds, flu, chronic infections, psoriasis and arthritis. Although there have been no clinical trials to prove as such, persons who have AIDS may take shark liver oil to strengthen their immune systems.
Non-Medical Uses
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Shark liver oil has had many uses completely unrelated to the field of medicine. It has been used in cosmetic products and tanning oils, and as a high-grade machine oil in the textile industry. In addition, it can be used to coat the hulls of wooden boats to prevent marine fouling.
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