Shark cartilage is extracted from the heads and fins of sharks and usually sold as an alternative to conventional cancer treatments, according to the American Cancer Society. It's also sometimes used to treat arthritis, psoriasis and other conditions. There is no solid scientific evidence to support the claim that shark cartilage is an effective treatment for cancer. Consult your doctor before taking shark cartilage.
Common Side Effects
Shark cartilage is thought to be relatively safe but it can cause side effects, according to the American Cancer Society. Typical side effects include nausea, vomiting, stomach upset or cramps, bloating, constipation, fatigue, fever and lightheadedness. Shark cartilage may also cause allergic reactions in people who have allergies to seafood. Shark cartilage can leave a bad taste behind and sometimes an unpleasant odor.
Liver Disease
There has been at least one report of someone contracting hepatitis after taking shark cartilage, according to the National Cancer Institute. Shark cartilage may also affect liver function. If you have liver disease, do not take shark cartilage without talking to your doctor first.
Precautions
Shark cartilage may impair healing in people recovering from surgery, according to the American Cancer Society. If you have a low white blood cell count, avoid shark cartilage, as there is a risk of serious infection. Shark cartilage may interfere with normal growth and development so children should not take it without consulting a doctor first. Shark cartilage has also been reported to cause drops in blood pressure, which could blood pressure to drop dangerously low in people whose blood pressure is already low or for those taking medication to lower it. Shark cartilage might also cause increases in blood sugar, which could create problems for people with diabetes. It may also raise blood calcium, posing risks for those with already high calcium levels, a condition known as hypercalcemia. If you have blood pressure problems, diabetes, or hypercalcemia, do not take shark cartilage without talking to your doctor first. If you are pregnant or breast-feeding avoid shark cartilage, as it has not been studied well enough to know if it is safe or not.
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