PROPER NAME:	Shark Cartilage
COMMON NAMES:	Shark Cartilage
PARTS USED:	Shark cartilage is a type of connective tissue comprised of proteins (40%), glycosaminoglycans (5- 20%), calcium, sulfur, and collagen that serves as the sharks skeleton.
FORMS:	Sold mostly in powder, capsule, or liquid form. Can also be given as a topical agent, enema, intravenous infusion, or administered as a subcutaneous, intraperitoneal, or intramuscular injection.
CLAIMS:	Shark cartilage contains a substance that slows the growth of blood vessels and may inhibit cancerous tumors. Tumor growth involves a process known as antiogenesis, which the body creates new blood vessels to feed a tumor with oxygen and nutrients. If blood is removed, the tumor dies. It is believed that shark cartilage stops the development of new blood vessels and therefore starves tumors. Shark cartilage also claims to reduce the pain, inflammation, and joint stiffness of arthritis. Shark cartilage contains a mixture of glycosaminoglycans – including glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate – which has been used to improve the joint cartilage function in humans.
RESEARCH FINDINGS:	Current respectable resources do not mention shark cartilage as a treatment for cancer or arthritis possibly, because its suspected benefits are still being researched. Shark cartilage was first publicized as effective cancer therapy after the television show “60 Minutes” aired a program promoting its claims based on the finding of William Lane, Ph.D. author of Sharks Don’t Get Cancer. In response to the positions made in his book, the Cancer Treatment Research Foundation published a paper in the Journal of Clinical Oncology which sought to determine the effects of shark cartilage on people with advance cancers. None of the patients appeared to benefit from the treatment, and five stopped taking it all together because of GI distress. Interestingly, it is also been documented that sharks do in fact get cancer - even in their cartilage. The FDA nevertheless, is currently conducting tests with shark cartilage with patients that have failed to respond to other therapies such as radiation and chemotherapy. Currently, chondroitin sulfate found in shark cartilage, is being studied for its benefits on arthritis. Several in vivo and in vitro tests have proven the benefits of chondroitin sulfate - found in other mammals - in improving joint mobility and pain associated with arthritis. The FDA has initiated several lawsuits to companies to stop making claims that shark cartilage can help fight cancer or arthritis on its supplement products.
DOSAGE:	Dosages vary depending on method of administration. The most widely used method of taking shark cartilage is in the capsule form. Two to five, 750mg capsules per day is recommended.
SIDE EFFECTS:	Pregnant women, people who suffer from vascular disease, persons who have undergone recent surgery, athletes in intense training, and children should avoid taking shark cartilage. Shark cartilage could be toxic with doses of fifty grams or more. There have been reports of GI distress in doses exceeding ten grams per day.

SHARK CARTILAGE REFERENCES:
Lininger, S., Gaby, A., Austin S., Brown D., Wright, J. (1999). The Natural Pharmacy. California: Prima Publishing.

Monte, T. (1997). The Complete Guide to Natural Healing. New York: The Berkley Publishing Group.

www.nci.nih.com; 3/5/00

www.nutritionnewsfocus.com; 3/5/00

Disclaimer:
This article is intended to provide basic information only. It is not a recommendation for use or endorsement of any product listed, by the Southeastern Michigan Dietetic Association. Please consult your physician or a health professional before taking any medications or supplements.

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