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Old Sun Jan 17, 2010, 07:32 PM
fibogann fibogann is offline
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Join Date: Aug 2006
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Birgitta-A View Post
Hi Lisa,
You know shark liver oil contains Omega-3 that can increase bleeding as you can see at this warning list for patients with low platelets.
http://www.pdsa.org/itp-information/itp-warnings.html
Kind regards
Birgitta-A
The essential part of shark liver oil (SLO) which is believed to assist in increasing platelets is squalene and alkoxyglycerols which is present in far more quantities than the trace presence of Omega-3 fatty acids.

In contrast, commercial Fish Oils ( not shark liver oils) would contain essentially Omega-3 which can lead to blood thinning and increased risk of bleeding, and which has to be carefully considered if used by aplastic anemia patients, as far as I know of.

One note of interest though - it has been stated that SLO has no side effects in dosages of 100 mg three times daily. However, a report on SLO-induced pneumonia in pigs has been described, as well as a case report concerning shark oil pneumonia.

Following are extracts detailing some interactions of shark liver oil

Interactions of Shark Liver Oil ( Extract from American Cancer Society)

Although many people have taken shark liver oil, the issue of potential toxicity at the usual doses has not been well studied. Some mild digestive problems such as nausea, upset stomach, and diarrhea have been reported. Some animal studies have found that shark liver oil and its components may raise blood cholesterol levels. A Japanese study found some shark liver oil supplements to be contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). PCBs can have harmful effects in humans and may increase the risk of some types of cancer. People with seafood allergies may also react to shark liver oil.

Relying on this type of treatment alone and avoiding or delaying conventional medical care for cancer may have serious health consequences.


Fish Oils Interactions with Drugs and Herbal Supplements(Extract from drugs.com)

Interactions with Drugs

In theory, omega-3 fatty acids may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with drugs that increase the risk of bleeding. Some examples include aspirin, anticoagulants ("blood thinners") such as warfarin (Coumadin®) or heparin, anti-platelet drugs such as clopidogrel (Plavix®), and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin®, Advil®) or naproxen (Naprosyn®, Aleve®).

Based on human studies, omega-3 fatty acids may lower blood pressure and add to the effects of drugs that may also affect blood pressure.

Fish oil supplements may lower blood sugar levels a small amount. Caution is advised when using medications that may also lower blood sugar. Patients taking drugs for diabetes by mouth or insulin should be monitored closely by a qualified healthcare provider. Medication adjustments may be necessary.

Omega-3 fatty acids lower triglyceride levels, but can actually increase (worsen) low-density lipoprotein (LDL/"bad cholesterol") levels by a small amount. Therefore, omega-3 fatty acids may add to the triglyceride-lowering effects of agents like niacin/nicotinic acid, fibrates such as gemfibrozil (Lopid®), or resins such as cholestyramine (Questran®). However, omega-3 fatty acids may work against the LDL-lowering properties of "statin" drugs like atorvastatin (Lipitor®) and lovastatin (Mevacor®).

Fish oil taken for many months may cause a deficiency of vitamin E, and therefore vitamin E is added to many commercial fish oil products. As a result, regular use of vitamin E-enriched products may lead to elevated levels of this fat-soluble vitamin. Fish liver oil contains the fat-soluble vitamins A and D, and therefore fish liver oil products (such as cod liver oil) may increase the risk of vitamin A or D toxicity. Since fat-soluble vitamins can build up in the body and cause toxicity, patients taking multiple vitamins regularly or in high doses should discuss this risk with their healthcare practitioners
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Peter Lim, Dad to Stan, age 17 at time of dx Feb 2002VSAA; tx. ATG, cyclosporine, predisone; alternative herbal supplm & shark liver oil, off all meds 5/2002 normal blood counts. Only on shark liver oil.
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