Shark Cartilage

There is a high demand for shark cartilage pills and supplements nowadays, due to increasing claims about its many health benefits.

This is one supplement which has sparked heated debate over its efficacy.

In our opinion, it's too early to tell either way if this is a viable product or a scam.

Here are some of the facts and opinions on either side, and you can decide for yourself if it's something worth taking.

The Benefits

People began espousing very strong health claims for shark cartilage that it could fight cancer, boost the immune system, battle osteoarthritis, and alleviate pain.

However, many of these claims should be taken with a grain of salt because significant evidence is lacking.

For example, some studies have shown that this substance has shown some promise in test tube studies for cancer, and, therefore, proponents latched on to this as "proof" that it is an effective anti-cancer agent.

However, citing a test tube study as proof that it could actually help humans with cancer is far-fetched.

Moreover, some studies conducted on actual humans with cancer have shown that shark cartilage was ineffective.

Granted, this one study is not definitive proof that it doesn't work either. Even pharmaceutical drugs that pass FDA approval do not always show efficacy in every study.

As to claims that shark cartilage pills and shark cartilage tablets can alleviate pain such as arthritis; it may have anti-inflammatory properties that would explain this ability.

The immune boosting properties attributed to the cartilage of shark is sketchy and unverified.

Other studies are suggesting that cartilage of shark may help some skin disorders, such as psoriasis and cold sores. Again, more studies are needed here.

Precautions

One potential problem with many shark cartilage pills and supplements is that they are produced with a lot of binders and fillers, and often have little or no active ingredient. Without any active ingredient, there stands little to no chance of efficacy.

In short, if you want to try it, make sure you buy from reputable manufacturers: products that are produced at FDA approved GMP compliant facilties (these are among the most rigorous regulatory standards).

Our conclusion is that there are many other nutrients and supplements which have been studied much more extensively than cartilage of shark, with many more proven health benefits.

Therefore, we personally don't use it.

If you still wish to try this product, just understand that there is no solid proof of efficacy.