Shark Cartilage Side Effects

People who want to use shark cartilage supplements must also be aware about the shark cartilage side effects. Read the following article and find out the pros and cons of shark cartilage supplements...

Cartilage is a type of tough connective tissue, which is an essential part of the skeleton of most animals. It contains chondrocytes that are surrounded by proteoglycans and collagen. Both proteoglycans and collagen are made of proteins and carbohydrates. The shark cartilage which is found in the shark skeleton is supposedly loaded with numerous healing properties and it is the reason why shark cartilage supplements are pretty much popular in the US these days. These supplements are available in the form of shark cartilage pills, liquid and powder. The following article is a quick overview about the shark cartilage side effects and benefits.

Shark Cartilage Information

There are a few studies that back the correlation between the supplements of shark cartilage and cancer cure. Studies also showed the benefits of shark cartilage for arthritis. As a result, they are one of the popular dietary supplements. Previously, cow cartilage was used for treating different health conditions. A few studies that were performed about 30 years back proved that shark cartilage is more effective than bovine cartilage and it contains the substance to prevent the growth of cancer cells. This viewpoint must be due to a common belief that sharks don't get cancer! However, there are a lot of contradictions involved to these studies and the views that defend shark cartilage supplements. Before heading towards the shark cartilage side effects, let's get to know the benefits of shark cartilage.

Shark Cartilage Benefits

The shark cartilage supplement products are sold as nutritional supplement that are primarily used for cancer treatment. Shark cartilage bears anti inflammatory and immune boosting properties and hence they are used for treating different types of cancer, psoriasis, enteritis (inflammation of the intestinal lining), etc. Since shark cartilage contains mucopolysaccharides it is also useful for the treatment of asthma, emphysema, eczema, hemorrhoids, poison oak, poison ivy, etc. Shark cartilage also contain glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, and hence they are effective for treating the pain and swelling which is caused due to different types of arthritis.

Shark Cartilage Side Effects

There are a few mild to moderate side effects of the shark cartilage, some of which are reported quite frequently. Most of these side effects are caused due to the contaminants, fillers and impurities that are present in the shark cartilage supplements. According to the institutes like The National Cancer Institute and American Cancer Society shark supplement are simply useless to cure cancer and they are have a limited amount of relief from the diseases like osteoarthritis and arthritis. Claims are also made that shark cartilage nutritional supplements can increase the levels of blood calcium that can affect the sugar levels and lead to diabetes. Children and pregnant women are asked to consume such supplement after proper consultation with their health care provider. Here is a list of the general (mild to moderate) shark cartilage side effects.

Nausea

Vomiting

Anorexia nervosa

Stomach cramps

Constipation

Bloating

Skin rash

Low blood pressure

It is also important for you to understand that shark cartilage supplements are not approved by the USFDA and hence, there is a huge dubiousness about their reliability. Hence, to stay away from shark cartilage side effects, you need to ensure that you are not consuming these supplements without proper permission from your regular health care provider. Take care!