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What is Squalene Shark Liver Oil?
Squalene shark liver oil is a nutritional supplement that is believed to offer protection against cancer and immune system support. Chemically speaking, squalene is fatty compound that is both a triterpene and hydrocarbon, and plays an important role in the creation of steroid hormones, vitamin D, and cholesterol in humans. A low-density compound, squalene is largely stored in the shark's liver and is also found in other cartiliginous fish. Due to concern over shark hunting to produce the oil, some squalene is now produced from vegetable sources such as rice bran, olives, and wheat germ.
In addition to its use as a nutritional supplement, squalene is also used in a variety of other products and could have several health benefits. It is added to skin-moisturizing products as well as to certain vaccines to improve their ability to stimulate the immune system. Other uses include dealing with skin conditions, reduction of recurrent aphthous stomatitis, and as a radiation sickness preventative. Few adverse reactions have been noted in its use.
Manufacturers of squalene shark liver oil supplements claim that it has natural anti-inflammatory qualities and antioxidant properties that contribute to immune system support. Other claims include that it can reduce serum cholesterol, lower fatigue and enhance energy levels, and lead to healthier skin and joints. Healing of wounds without scarring is another benefit claimed by supplement makers. In tests with animals, squalene shark liver oil has been shown to improve fertility, but there is little clinical evidence available to support other uses.
Most squalene shark liver oil is sold in gelatin capsules, which minimizes its unpleasant taste and odor. In addition to the squalene, these capsules can also provide vitamins A, D, and E. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are omega-3 fatty acids also found in the shark oil that have been proven to support cardiovascular health.
The use of shark and cod liver oil as a traditional food is well-documented, particularly among Roman soldiers, Scandinavian sailors, and in some Asian societies. In their traditional use, the livers were utilized to provide sustenance and maintain health. In many cases, the shark livers used are taken from fish caught for food, with the liver oil being a by-product of that industry. Many producers use a steam extraction process to obtain the oil.
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![Some squalene is now made from olives and other vegetable sources.]()
By: margo555Some squalene is now made from olives and other vegetable sources. -
![Traditionally, shark liver oil comes from sharks that are caught for food.]()
By: Christopher BartlettTraditionally, shark liver oil comes from sharks that are caught for food. -
![Most squalene shark liver oil is sold in the form of gelatin capsules.]()
By: StockPhotosArtMost squalene shark liver oil is sold in the form of gelatin capsules. -
![Squalene may be used as a nutritional supplement.]()
By: monticelllloSqualene may be used as a nutritional supplement. -
![Squalene is a fatty compound that plays an important role in the creation of steroid hormones, vitamin D and cholesterol in humans.]()
By: blueringmediaSqualene is a fatty compound that plays an important role in the creation of steroid hormones, vitamin D and cholesterol in humans. -
![Some believe that squalene shark liver oil can reduce a person's risk of developing cancer, as well as fight side effects of cancer treatments such as fatigue.]()
By: Photographee.euSome believe that squalene shark liver oil can reduce a person's risk of developing cancer, as well as fight side effects of cancer treatments such as fatigue.
Discussion Comments
I have been taking Amaranth oil (2 Tablespoons/day) for 5 years (It contains about 7 percent Squalene) I became transformed with an almost new toned skin. My levels of concentration improved and could talk or work without yawning. I also developed a sense of well being and my mood swings went completely down.
I introduced it to an albino friend who was using expensive sun screen. It worked miracles and his skin became very uniform. He no longer uses the expensive creams. The oil is amazing.
How about helping wounds heal?
@Mykol - That is great to know you have had good success taking fish liver oil. Is this something you have continued taking on a long term basis?
According to some studies, taking a supplement like shark liver oil can help prevent some cancers in the first place.
Since I don't like the taste of fish, I rely on supplements to get the omega 3 fatty acids I need in my diet.
After taking a supplement like this for 3 months I noticed I had a lot less stiffness in my joints when I woke up in the morning.
@bagley79 - You don't seem to hear as much about shark liver oil as you do cod liver oil. My experience has been that any high quality fish oil capsules are beneficial for your health.
I can't say whether shark liver oil would work for arthritis or not, but I have had beneficial results with it.
When I was going through radiation treatments for breast cancer I was looking for a way to prevent me from feeling so sick and tired.
A good friend of mine recommended I try some shark liver oil capsules. I talked it over with my doctor first, and he didn't see any harm in giving it a try, though I don't think he was very hopeful.
All I can say is there was a noticeable difference in how I felt when I consistently took the shark liver oil when I was going through these treatments.
Since I had such good success with this, I have shared this with others I know who are going through the same thing. Everybody responds differently to something like this, but I figure it is a small price to pay to see if it will work or not.
I have heard of cod liver oil benefits, but have never heard of shark liver oil before. I wonder if it would have some of the same benefits since they both come from the liver of fish?
The shark liver oil benefits I am most interested in are those that help with arthritis and the joints. I am trying to find natural alternatives to taking medication and am hoping to find something like this that actually works.
I know that eating foods and taking supplements that are high in omega 3 fatty acids are supposed to work as natural anti-inflammatory medicines. If I could take something like shark liver oil instead of ibuprofen to help with the pain, it would be well worth it.
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