Shark liver oil
Shark Liver Oil
Shark liver oil (/ʃɑːrk ˈlɪvər ɔɪl/) is an oil obtained 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 popular today as a dietary supplement.
Etymology
The term "shark liver oil" is derived from the English words "shark", "liver", and "oil". The word "shark" comes from the Germanic word "schar", which is thought to mean "sharp" or "scavenger". "Liver" is derived from the Old English "lifer", which is related to the Dutch "lever" and the German "Leber". The word "oil" comes from the Old English "olie", which is related to the Dutch "olie" and the German "Öl".
Composition
Shark liver oil is rich in several important compounds, including squalene, alkylglycerols, and vitamin A. Squalene is a natural organic compound originally obtained for commercial purposes primarily from shark liver oil, though there are also plant sources such as olive oil, rice bran oil, and wheat germ oil. Alkylglycerols are ether lipids and can also be found in significant amounts in shark liver oil. Vitamin A is a group of unsaturated nutritional organic compounds that includes retinol, retinal, retinoic acid, and several provitamin A carotenoids.
Uses
Shark liver oil is often used as a supplement for its potential health benefits. It is believed to boost the immune system, reduce inflammation, and help protect against certain types of cancers. However, these claims are not universally accepted and more research is needed to confirm these potential health benefits.
Safety and Side Effects
While shark liver oil is generally considered safe for most people when taken by mouth, it can cause some side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, and upset stomach. In high doses, it can cause a condition called hypervitaminosis A, which can be harmful.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Shark liver oil
- Wikipedia's article - Shark liver oil
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