Shark liver oil

Shark liver oil is an oil derived from the livers of sharks. It has been used for centuries as a folk remedy to promote the healing of wounds and as a remedy for respiratory tract and digestive system problems. It is still promoted as a dietary supplement, and additional claims have been made that it can treat other maladies such as cancer, HIV, radiation illness, swine flu, and others.

Composition

Shark liver oil has a high content of vitamin A and vitamin D. It also contains squalene and alkylglycerols, which are thought to be the active components. The oil can also contain toxic compounds such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and heavy metals.

Uses

Shark liver oil is promoted as a dietary supplement. It is also used in some cosmetics. Some proponents claim that it can treat a variety of medical conditions, including cancer, HIV, radiation sickness, and swine flu. However, there is no scientific evidence to support these claims.

Safety

There are concerns about the safety of shark liver oil. It can contain toxic compounds such as PCBs and heavy metals. In addition, overconsumption of vitamin A can lead to hypervitaminosis A, a dangerous condition.

Environmental concerns

There are also environmental concerns related to the use of shark liver oil. Sharks are a vulnerable species, and overfishing for their livers can lead to a decline in their populations.

See also

• Fish oil
• Cod liver oil
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin D

References

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  Cetorhinus maximus by Greg Skomal