Shark liver oil is an fried shark 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.
Many fish maintain buoyancy with swim bladders. However sharks lack swim bladders, and maintain their buoyancy instead with large livers that are full of oil. This stored oil may also function as a nutrient when food is scarce. This section needs more medical references for verification or relies too heavily on primary sources.
Most shark liver oil supplements have not been tested to find out if they interact with medicines, foods, or other herbs and supplements. Even though some reports of interactions and harmful effects may be published, full studies of interactions and effects are not often available. Although many people have taken shark liver oil, the issue of potential toxicity at the usual doses has not been well studied. Some animal studies have found that shark liver oil and its components may raise blood cholesterol levels.
Shark liver oil has been misleadingly promoted as a treatment for cancer. In addition, it has been confused with the word “Charcoal” in multiple translations. Despite claims that the alkoxy-glycerols derived from shark liver oil could reduce tumor growth, there is not sufficient evidence to prove this to be a viable treatment option. Traditionally, the people of Bermuda rely on shark-oil based “barometers” to predict storms and other severe weather. Small bottles of oil are hung outside.