Shark liver oil is obtained from sharks caught for food purposes only, often from those living in cold, deep oceans. The liver oil from sharks has been used by fishermen for centuries as a folk remedy for general debility, for healing wounds, sores, irritations of the respiratory tract and the alimentary canal and for lymph node swelling. Shark liver oil rich in Vitamins A and D and in essential Omega-3 fatty acids is also available from Alaska. Shark liver oil is a standardized and carefully controlled product, containing no toxic impurities.
Shark liver oil from cold waters contains the highest level of alkylglycerols found in nature. Alkylglycerols are found naturally in bone marrow, liver, spleen, and human breast milk. There are 16 known alkylglycerols, with shark liver oil containing the most concentrated source.
Shark liver oil has been studied extensively in Sweden. Alkylglycerols are immuno-stimulants, boosting macrophage and natural killer cell activity. Alkylglycerols are also involved in the production of white blood cells. Shark liver oil was found to stimulate the body’s immune system, increasing antibodies, leukocytes and thrombocytes. In particular, shark liver oil was found to increase the survival rate of cervical cancer patients and improve the radiation-induced conditions of leukopenia and thrombocytopenia. Recent research has also shown that alkylglycerols have antibiotic and antifungal effects, can speed the healing of wounds, and increase the excretion of mercury.
A typical daily dose is 50-300mg alkylglycerols divided into 2-3 doses with or before meals. This is usually 1-2 capsules 2-3 times per day. Once the desired effect is achieved, a maintenance dose may be as low as one capsule per day.
Shark Liver Oil can help with the following
A Low Red Count
See the link between Low White Count and Shark Liver Oil.
Low Platelet Count
See the link between Low White Count and Shark Liver Oil.
Meniere's Disease
See the link between Grape Seed Extract and Shark Liver Oil.
Key
| May do some good |
| Likely to help |
| Avoid absolutely |
Glossary
Lymph Nodes
Small, bean-shaped nodes at various points throughout the body that function to filter the lymph fluid and attempt to destroy the microorganisms and abnormal cells which collect there. The most common locations are the neck (both sides and front), armpit and groin, but also under the jaw and behind the ears. Swollen or painful lymph nodes generally result from localized or systemic infection, abscess formation, or malignancy. Other causes of enlarged lymph nodes are extremely rare. Physical examination for lymph nodes includes pressing on them to check for size, texture, warmth, tenderness and mobility. Most lymph nodes can not be felt until they become swollen, and then will only be tender when pressed or massaged. A lymph node that is painful even without touching indicates greater swelling. Lymph nodes can usually be distinguished from other growths because they generally feel small, smooth, round or oval-shaped and somewhat mobile when attempts are made to push them sideways. Because less fat covers the lymph nodes in children, they are easier to feel, even when they are not busy filtering germs or making antibodies. Children’s nodes enlarge faster, get bigger in response to an infection and stay swollen longer than an adult's.
Fatty Acids
Chemical chains of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms that are part of a fat (lipid) and are the major component of triglycerides. Depending on the number and arrangement of these atoms, fatty acids are classified as either saturated, polyunsaturated, or monounsaturated. They are nutritional substances found in nature which include cholesterol, prostaglandins, and stearic, palmitic, linoleic, linolenic, eicosapentanoic (EPA), and decohexanoic acids. Important nutritional lipids include lecithin, choline, gamma-linoleic acid, and inositol.
Macrophage
An immune system cell that scavenges bacterial and other foreign material in the blood and tissues.
White Blood Cell
(WBC): A blood cell that does not contain hemoglobin: a blood corpuscle responsible for maintaining the body's immune surveillance system against invasion by foreign substances such as viruses or bacteria. White cells become specifically programmed against foreign invaders and work to inactivate and rid the body of a foreign substance. Also known as a leukocyte.
Immune System
A complex that protects the body from disease organisms and other foreign bodies. The system includes the humoral immune response and the cell-mediated response. The immune system also protects the body from invasion by making local barriers and inflammation.
Antibody
A type of serum protein (globulin) synthesized by white blood cells of the lymphoid type in response to an antigenic (foreign substance) stimulus. Antibodies are complex substances formed to neutralize or destroy these antigens in the blood. Antibody activity normally fights infection but can be damaging in allergies and a group of diseases that are called autoimmune diseases.
Leukocyte
A white blood cell which appears 5,000 to 10,000 times in each cubic millimeter of normal human blood. Among the most important functions are destroying bacteria, fungi and viruses and rendering harmless poisonous substances that may result from allergic reactions and cell injury.
Cancer
Refers to the various types of malignant neoplasms that contain cells growing out of control and invading adjacent tissues, which may metastasize to distant tissues.
Leukopenia
A condition in which the number of white blood cells circulating in the blood is abnormally low.
Thrombocytopenia
Condition of abnormally small number of platelets circulating in the blood, characterized by inability to properly clot blood and easy bruising.
Milligram
(mg): 1/1,000 of a gram by weight.