Shark Cartilage

Shark Cartilage is used for osteoporosis and psoriasis. Avoid shark cartilage if you are, or suspect you might be, allergic to seafood.

Shark Cartilage Overview

Reviewed: July 24, 2014
Updated: 

Shark cartilage is a supplement made from the skeletons of sharks, which are made almost entirely of cartilage. Cartilage is a type of flexible connective tissue.

Shark cartilage is used most often for cancer, osteoporosis, and psoriasis.

Shark cartilage is thought to work by providing proteins that slow the growth of new blood vessels, a process necessary for tumor growth and survival. Starving a tumor of its blood supply and nutrients can cause it to shrink or disappear.

Common side effects of shark cartilage include nausea, indigestion, and fatigue.

Shark Cartilage Cautionary Labels

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precautionsprecautions

Uses

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Shark cartilage is used most often for cancer, osteoporosis, macular degeneration, inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, and psoriasis.

Shark cartilage has not been proven effective for all of the uses listed above. Shark cartilage may be used for other conditions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Side Effects of Shark Cartilage

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Common side effects of shark cartilage include the following:

  • Nausea
  • Indigestion
  • Fatigue
  • Fever
  • Dizziness 
  • Bad taste in mouth
  • High blood calcium levels

This is not a complete list of shark cartilage side effects. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.

Shark Cartilage Interactions

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No drug interactions have been determined by the manufacturer. However, you should tell your doctor about all the medicines you take including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Not all interactions are known or reported and new drug interactions are continually being reported.

Shark Cartilage Precautions

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Special precautions & warnings:

  • Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using shark cartilage if you are pregnant, breast-feeding, or trying to become pregnant.
  • Avoid shark cartilage if you are, or suspect you might be, allergic to seafood. Allergic reactions are possible.
  • Do not take shark cartilage if you have elevated blood calcium levels.
  • Do not take shark cartilage if you have liver disease.
  • Do not take shark cartilage if you have a low white blood cell count due to risk of life-threatening reactions.
  • Shark cartilage may slow the healing process in people recovering from surgery.