Shark Cartilage: properties, benefits, and contraindications

Shark cartilage has properties for joint recovery and benefits associated with the improvement of joints. Its original use comes from Chinese culture and today it has many fans and detractors. People who love this part of cartilaginous selachimorph fish and others who hate it.

Knowing how much truth there is in the properties of shark cartilage is the subject of this article. Do you know if it really works? Do you want to learn about its benefits?

What is shark cartilage

It comes from marine sources and specifically from Selachimorpha. Shark cartilage is an elastic tissue that functions to cushion impacts and the movement of joints. It is connective tissue of white color that is fairly solid and hard. But at the same time it has the property of being elastic. It is extracted from the shark fin and you can buy it in the form of a dietary supplement.

Cartilage is part of the skeleton of many fish and also vertebrates. Humans have many parts where it plays a main role and supports mobility. It is the union of bones and is included in what we call joints. In sharks it forms part of their skeleton or what we call the spine and allows them to have a robust yet flexible structure. That allows them to move swiftly and swim easily.

Properties of shark cartilage

• Angiogenesis or abnormal formation of blood vessels.
• Joint regenerator.
• Anti-inflammatory.
• Effective against osteoarthritis and arthritis.

It is not entirely clear what its properties are but people who support them indicate that they are anti-inflammatory joint-regenerating and improve skin structure.

It contains squalamine lactate AE-941 and U-995 which is used to inhibit angiogenesis or tumor of the blood vessels.

You can find it as a dietary supplement in nutrition stores and herbal shops. The benefits for human health are to help repair exercise wear and to improve the symptoms of arthritis and osteoarthritis. It is most common for it to be combined with amino acids that have a function directly related to joint function and it is very common to use it together with chondroitin and as a substitute for hyaluronic acid.

A natural product from the sea —almost always from the Pacific Ocean— it provides properties similar to glucosamine and other cartilage-based products. Regardless of whether the source is sharks or other animals.

Benefits of shark cartilage

It provides calcium, phosphorus and is a very rich source of marine collagen. It also contains chondroitin sulfate, a substance that the body produces naturally but that is widely used for joint ailments such as osteoarthritis and arthritis. Also for inflammatory ailments of the knee and joints, osteoporosis and rheumatism.

The shark fin and cartilage has a price that varies according to the number of tablets or capsules the package contains. It is very rich in hyaluronic acid, an extremely important glycosaminoglycan for human health. It promotes the generation of natural collagen and allows the formation of white and bone tissues. When ingested it can improve the production of synovial fluid and the membranes that protect the joints from deterioration.

The shark fin and its cartilage is very rich in hyaluronic acid, an extremely important glycosaminoglycan for human health. It promotes the generation of natural collagen and allows the formation of white and bone tissues. When ingested it can improve the production of synovial fluid and the membranes that protect the joints from deterioration.

There are some beliefs that it may have benefits for kidney cancer and reduce itching in psoriasis.

Side effects

• It contains a human neurotoxin BMAA.
• Toxins associated with Alzheimer.
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
• Some people experience a bad taste in the mouth which causes nausea, stomach discomfort and vomiting.
• Constipation.
• Lowering of blood pressure, dizziness.
• Increase in blood sugar.
• Elevating calcium levels.
• Causing fatigue.

A recent study indicates that the shark fin and its cartilage may contain Beta-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) which is related to degenerative diseases that destroy neurons. The study was based on examining seven species from the American coast to try to clarify once and for all if shark cartilage works. The results are those we mentioned. To the similar properties of other cartilage-based products was added the finding of beta-methylamino-L-alanine. A discovery that no one expected.

But to tell the truth, they also could not conclude that this substance, which is extracted from shark fins and which we call shark cartilage, is the cause. What they did detect is that in patients with Alzheimer or some types of Parkinson’s they had a higher amount in their bodies, which does not indicate that its consumption is the trigger.

Beta-methylamino-L-alanine is an amino acid that is not included among the 20 that humans use to synthesize proteins. It is considered a neurotoxin that affects brain tissue and the spinal cord.

Some products due to their marine origin can emit a strong sea odor even unpleasant. It is known that the shark sometimes emits an uncomfortable smell.

People who have calcium imbalances should avoid its use or take extra precautions. Shark cartilage contains a lot of calcium and can raise levels in those who consume it.

If you are diabetic you should consult before using it. It can raise blood sugar.

In general it is considered a product that can be used safely but you should always consult a nutritionist or food specialist when you want to include a supplement in your diet.

Tablets, capsules or cartilage creams

Nowadays there are different types of products derived from sharks. The most common is to take a shark cartilage tablet supplement or buy capsules. It is a convenient and simple way to obtain all the properties that sharks offer for human health. Although it is also true that there are other types of products that can provide benefits.

The creams are developed from crushed cartilage, previously dried and subjected to a purification process to eliminate unnecessary parts that could contribute fewer active ingredients for joint inflammation and joint regeneration. In addition these parts are the richest in hyaluronic acid.

After crushing there is a mixture with fats and other cosmetic substances to give it a cream consistency that is easy to apply and absorb by the skin. Shark cartilage creams are good anti-inflammatory agents and you can use them on specific areas. It is not necessary to have a daily intake routine. You simply use it when needed. So its effects and results are different from tablets.

Shark oil

It has properties focused on immunological diseases. Something different from capsules and tablets. Shark oil is made from the organs of deep-sea sharks, specifically from the liver of Centrophorus squamosus, acanthias Sqaulus Cetorhinus maximus.

Its uses are to treat some types of cancer and leukemia. Also for common diseases like the flu and the common cold. It is believed to be a potent stimulator of the human body’s immune system so taking it may be beneficial on occasions when you notice that your defenses are low. It increases the number of white blood cells in the blood.

This type of shark derivative has different uses. You can take it with food or apply it to the skin. For colds and internal illnesses it must be ingested. On the other hand, if you want to achieve anti-inflammatory properties, use it as an ointment or massage oil. Directly on the skin, letting it act on the area.

How to take shark cartilage

You can take it with a glass of water. Ingest the supplement capsules following the dosage instructions according to the brand you have purchased. It is very difficult to specify how many since the product may have different concentrations of active ingredients and it is the manufacturer who can best indicate what the product contains.

In addition you must take into account your height, weight and age. There are differences in the recommended dose of shark cartilage according to these personal factors. So you have to follow the instructions on the label or package insert.

Since fruits can contain acids it is better not to mix this product with juice. They could degrade some of its components and lose effectiveness. So a good idea is only with water.

Bibliography:

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Food and Drug Administration. 10/12/1999.
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* Zhuang, L, Wang, B, Shivji, G, and et al. AE-941, a novel inhibitor of angiogenesis has significant anti-inflammatory effect on contact hypersensitivity. J Invest Derm 1997;108:633.
* Saunder DN. Angiogenesis antagonist as treatment for psoriasis: Phase I clinical trial results with AE-941. American Academy of Dermatology Conference, New Orleans, Louisiana, March 19-24, 1999.
* Prudden JF. Cartilage as therapy. Adjuvant Nutrition in Cancer Treatment Symposium, Tampa, Florida (September 27-30, 1995).