Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Shark-derived products, particularly shark cartilage, have been promoted and investigated for supporting joint health, especially in the context of osteoarthritis. The rationale for their use is based on the presence of compounds such as chondroitin sulfate, which is a component of cartilage and is thought to contribute to joint structure and function. Chondroitin sulfate is commonly used (often sourced from various animals, including sharks) in dietary supplements intended for joint support.

Clinical studies on shark cartilage itself have yielded mixed results. While some preliminary studies suggested modest benefits for joint pain and mobility, larger and more rigorous clinical trials have generally failed to demonstrate significant efficacy beyond placebo. Reviews and meta-analyses of chondroitin (regardless of animal source) suggest a small to modest benefit for osteoarthritis symptoms, but shark cartilage specifically does not appear to offer distinct advantages over other sources.

Additionally, concerns have been raised regarding the safety and contamination of shark cartilage supplements, as well as the sustainability and ethical implications of shark harvesting.

In summary, while there is some scientific rationale for the use of shark-derived chondroitin in joint health, the overall evidence for shark cartilage as a unique or superior joint support supplement is limited. The practice is grounded more in the general science of chondroitin rather than robust evidence specific to shark cartilage.

More about Shark (unspecified)
More about Joints

Other ingredients that support Joints

alfalfa
algal oil
amino acids
berry flavor
beta caryophyllene
black cumin
black currant
sesame
borage oil
boron
Indian frankincense
bovine
bovine gelatin
broccoli
bromelain
burdock
cabbage leaf
calamari oil
cartilage
cat's claw
cherry
Chinese salvia root
chondroitin
cissus quadrangularis
collagen
turmeric
curcumin
cuspidatum root
devil's claw
dog rose
DPA (docosapentaenoic acid)
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
evening primrose oil
fish oil
fish protein
flavonols
flaxseed
gamma linolenic acid (GLA)
gelatin
ginger
glucosamine
gokhru
gooseberry
gotu kola
green lipped mussel
guggul
horsetail
hyaluronic acid
Indian tinospora
knotweed
krill oil
l-proline
mackerel
manganese
marine lipid
methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)
microcrystalline hydroxyapatite concentrate (MCHC)
milk
moringa
mustard seed
n-acetyl-glucosamine
nettle
olive
omega-3 fatty acids
omega-6 fatty acids
phellodendron amurense
phytocannabinoids
pine bark
pineapple
plantain
protein
quercetin
rehmannia glutinosa
rhizome
rose hips
SAMe (s-adenosyl-l-methionine disulfate p-toluensulfate)
sardines
scrophularia root
serratiopeptidase
silicon
black ginger
specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs)
triphala
vitamin C
vitamin D
seaweed
water
white willow
wild yam
sarsaparilla
red clover
boneset
chickweed
gastrodia
capsicum
clerodendrum indicum
hedychium spicatum
punarnava
commiphora
paederia foetida
smilax
tinospora cordifolia
rubia cordifolia
chaff flower
peony
lingusticum wallichii
prickly ash
myrrh
juniper berries
solomon's seal
siler root
flowering quince
dioscorea
teasel
eucommia
ganoderma
morinda
zanthoxylum
birch
queen of the meadow
polyphenols
anemarrhena asphodeloides
yucca
barrenwort
wintergreen
camphor oil
coix
gentiana macrophylla
noni
herbal blend (proprietary)
algae
cayenne pepper
ashitaba
gravel root
bladderwrack
arnica
clematis
3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)prop-2-enoic acid
Aralia
Animal Tissue
Antler
Avian Cartilage
Achyranthes
Anamu
Avocado
Asteracea
Acetylsalicylic acid
Abuta
Amor seco
Animal protein
Bone
Black Seed
Baikal Skullcap
Bryonia
Biopeptide
Babchi
Bidens pilosa
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Boswellic Acid
Bayleaf
Butea monosperma
Black galingale
Barleria
Bugbane
Baicalein
Bovine Protein
berry
Bogbean
Black Gram
Boswellia
Black Poplar
Black willow
Ba Ji Tian
Bone Protein
Bee products
Bombax
Borage
bovine cartilage / glycosaminoglycan
Baicalin
Bassia scoparia
Bee venom
Bergenia
Boerhavia diffusa
Curculigo orchicides
Comfrey
Centella triterpenes
Chinese Silkvine
Caryophyllene
Cinnamomum
Chinese Mountain Ant
Crustaceans
Cod Liver Oil
Coriander
Clerodendrum phlomidis
Cinquefoil
Cyathula
Curcuminoid
Capsaicin
Chuchuhuasi
Curcumen
Cymbopogon Martini
Centella asiatica
Cetylated Fatty Acids
Cissus sicyoides
Chicken
Curcuma
Calanus finmarchicus
Campsiandra angustifolia
Cowslip
Cannabidiol
Chebulinic acid
Carthamus
Copaiba Oil
Currant
Deer Root
Deer Velvet
Drynaria
Devil's Club
Dwarf Nettle
Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)
Dipsacus
Elephant Vine
Egg
Elk antler
Emu Oil
Eicosapentaenoic Acid
Evening Primrose Oil
European-Five Finger Grass
Escin
Eucommia ulmoides
Ecklonia
Flavonoids
Glycine
Glycosaminoglycans
Little ironweed

Other body systems supported by Shark (unspecified)

Joints

Products containing Shark (unspecified)

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.