Evidence supporting the use of: Shark Liver Oil
For the health condition: Convalescence
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Shark liver oil has traditionally been used in some cultures to support recovery during convalescence, largely due to its content of alkylglycerols, squalene, and omega-3 fatty acids. The rationale is that these components may help boost the immune system and promote tissue repair. Historical uses stem mainly from Scandinavian and Japanese folk medicine, where shark liver oil was consumed for general vitality, post-illness recovery, and to ward off infections. However, while there are a few small clinical and animal studies suggesting immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects of its components, robust scientific evidence supporting its efficacy specifically for convalescence is lacking. Most available research does not directly address recovery from illness, but rather focuses on general immune function or antioxidant properties. No major medical organizations endorse shark liver oil for convalescence, and systematic reviews note a lack of high-quality trials. Therefore, its use for this indication is best characterized as traditional, with limited and weak supporting evidence.
Other ingredients used for Convalescence
aloe veraalpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
amino acids
arabinogalactan
astaxanthin
astragalus
Beta-Glucan
bilberry
black currant
bovine
bovine liver
branched-chain amino acids
bupleurum falcatum
cat's claw
caterpillar mushroom
chlorella
colostrum
cordyceps
turmeric
elderberry
eleuthero
fish protein
garlic bulb
ginger
gotu kola
grape
green tea
iron
l-alanyl-l-glutamine
l-cysteine
l-glutamine
l-glycine
lactoferrin
lentinula edodes mycelia
licorice root
liquid liver fractions
milk
ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate
pollen
pomegranate
protein
pyrroloquinoline disodium salt
quail egg
reishi mushroom
shiitake mushroom
spirulina
vitamin C
vitamin D
whey protein
zinc
jiaogulan
bee pollen
lingzhi
haliotis
cistanche
ganoderma
royal jelly
fulvic acid
goji berry
algae
Alcohol
Animal Tissue
Antler
Ambergris
Auricularia
Albumin
Andrographis
Algal protein
Alkylglycerols
Animal protein
Butter
Blackthorn
Beef Protein
Beef
Beef liver
Bone Marrow
Bovine Protein
Bacteria
BCAA
Bupleurum
Bird's nest
Chinese Mountain Ant
Coriolus mushroom
Codonopsis
Chinese Pond Turtle
Centella asiatica
Chicken
Dialyzable Leukocyte Extract
D-Ribose
Dipeptide
Egg
Elk antler
Euglena gracilis
Egg protein
fibroblast growth factor
Milk Protein
Mistletoe
Quinoa Protein
Other health conditions supported by Shark Liver Oil
ArthritisColds (general)
Convalescence
Cuts
Dermatitis
Fatigue
Hemorrhoids
Inflammation