Have you ever come across the terms “shark liver oil” or “squalene” when looking at health foods or dietary supplements?
Shark liver oil is, as the name suggests, an oil obtained from shark liver. Some products are formulated around squalene as one of their characteristic components.
At the same time, a wide range of health and beauty information about squalene can be found online.
When learning about shark liver oil and squalene, it is important to distinguish between what has been studied about the compound itself and what can reasonably be expected from consuming it as a dietary supplement.
In this article, we explain the basics of shark liver oil and squalene, the difference between squalene and squalane, and what to look for when comparing supplements.
We also look at topics that often become more relevant with age, such as metabolic syndrome and dry skin. These are discussed from the perspective of everyday diet, physical activity and skincare rather than as effects of a supplement.
What Is Shark Liver Oil?
Shark liver oil is an oil obtained from the liver of sharks.
Although both shark liver oil and conventional fish oil are marine-derived oils, they are not the same thing.
Many conventional fish oil products are formulated around omega-3 fatty acids such as EPA and DHA, while some shark liver oil products are formulated around other lipid components, including squalene.
For this reason, it is better not to assume that all marine oils have the same composition. Always check which ingredients are actually listed and how much of each component is provided.
What Is Squalene?
Squalene is a naturally occurring lipid made up of carbon and hydrogen.
It is well known as a component found in shark liver oil, but it is not unique to sharks.
Squalene is also found in plant-derived oils such as olive oil and is naturally present in the human body.
In the body, squalene acts as an intermediate in the pathway used to produce cholesterol and other sterol compounds.
In other words, squalene is not a foreign or unusual substance. It is a naturally occurring lipid found in both living organisms and certain foods.
Are “Squalene” and “Squalene” Different Terms in Japanese?
In Japanese, squalene may be written in more than one way, including forms that sound like “squalene” or “squalene.”
These different Japanese spellings generally refer to the same English term: squalene.
Older product descriptions and reference materials may use a different Japanese spelling, but they usually refer to the same substance.
Are Squalene and Squalane the Same Thing?
The names are very similar, but squalene and squalane are not the same substance.
Squalane is produced by hydrogenating squalene, which makes it more chemically stable.
Because squalane is relatively stable, it is widely used in skincare and cosmetic products.
In cosmetics, squalane may be used as an emollient ingredient to help smooth the skin and reduce moisture loss.
However, an important distinction needs to be made:
using squalane on the skin and consuming squalene as part of a supplement are two different things.
The fact that squalane is used in moisturising skincare products does not mean that taking a squalene supplement will produce the same effect on the skin.
Is Squalene an “Oxygen Carrier”?
When researching squalene, you may come across promotional descriptions referring to it as an “oxygen carrier.”
However, this should not be interpreted to mean that dietary squalene carries oxygen through the bloodstream or corrects low oxygen levels in the body.
In the human body, oxygen is mainly transported by haemoglobin within red blood cells.
For this reason, statements such as “squalene delivers oxygen throughout the body,” “corrects oxygen deficiency,” or “boosts metabolism” should not be treated as established effects of a dietary supplement.
What Kind of Research Has Been Conducted on Squalene?
Squalene has been investigated in a variety of areas, including antioxidant-related properties and lipid metabolism.
When reading research, it is important to consider the research method, the people or materials studied, the amount used and the duration of the study.
Even when a particular property or effect has been reported in research, that result cannot automatically be applied to what a person may experience from taking a general dietary supplement.
There is not sufficient evidence to use shark liver oil or squalene as a substitute for medical care or for the purpose of preventing or treating disease or improving specific bodily functions.
If you have concerns about your health, seek advice from an appropriate healthcare professional rather than relying on a dietary supplement for diagnosis, prevention or treatment.
The Composition of Shark Liver Oil Products Can Vary
When reading about shark liver oil, you may see references to squalene as well as EPA, DHA, vitamins and other naturally occurring components.
However, not every shark liver oil supplement has the same composition.
The actual ingredients and amounts can vary depending on the shark species used, the manufacturing and refining process, and the way the product is formulated.
For this reason, it is important to check the current ingredient and composition information for the specific product you are considering.
Do not assume that a product contains a certain amount of EPA, DHA or particular vitamins simply because it is labelled “shark liver oil.”
What Should You Know About Metabolic Syndrome?
As we get older, changes in body weight or waist size may become more noticeable, leading some people to wonder whether they have metabolic syndrome.
However, having a larger waist alone does not mean that someone has metabolic syndrome.
In Japan, the diagnostic criteria consider waist circumference together with blood lipid levels, blood pressure and fasting blood glucose.
The waist circumference thresholds are:
- Men: 85 cm or more
- Women: 90 cm or more
In addition, at least two of the following three criteria must be met:
- Blood lipids: triglycerides of 150 mg/dL or more and/or HDL cholesterol below 40 mg/dL
- Blood pressure: systolic blood pressure of 130 mmHg or more and/or diastolic blood pressure of 85 mmHg or more
- Blood glucose: fasting blood glucose of 110 mg/dL or more
People who are receiving medication for high triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol, high blood pressure or diabetes are also counted within the relevant criteria.
Metabolic syndrome is therefore not simply another name for “middle-age weight gain.”
It refers to a combination of visceral fat accumulation and multiple metabolic risk factors, such as elevated blood pressure, blood glucose or abnormal blood lipid levels.
Reference:
Japan Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare — Diagnostic Criteria for Metabolic Syndrome
How Should Supplements Be Viewed If You Are Concerned About Metabolic Syndrome?
Squalene has been studied in areas such as lipid metabolism, but there is not sufficient evidence to use a general shark liver oil supplement for the prevention or treatment of metabolic syndrome.
The basic approach to metabolic syndrome is to review everyday lifestyle factors, including diet, physical activity, body weight, smoking and alcohol intake.
Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare also emphasises the importance of improving lifestyle habits that contribute to visceral fat accumulation, such as overeating and insufficient physical activity.
If a health check has identified concerns relating to your waist circumference, blood pressure, blood glucose, triglycerides or HDL cholesterol, do not rely on supplements alone. Speak with a doctor, dietitian or other qualified health professional.
Lifestyle Habits Are the Foundation of Metabolic Health
If you are concerned about metabolic syndrome, the first priority should be your everyday lifestyle rather than a supplement.
Important areas to consider include diet, physical activity, weight management, sleep, alcohol intake and smoking.
Build a Balanced Diet
Rather than completely avoiding one type of food or relying heavily on another, aim to improve the overall balance of your meals.
Useful habits may include:
- Including vegetables, seaweed, mushrooms and legumes
- Getting protein from fish, meat, eggs and soy foods
- Combining staple foods, main dishes and side dishes
- Limiting excessive intake of fried foods and sweets
- Keeping salty foods and heavily seasoned meals moderate
- Reviewing how much alcohol you drink
There is no single food that can prevent metabolic syndrome on its own.
Over the long term, the goal is to develop eating habits that are realistic and sustainable.
Increase Physical Activity
If you are not currently active, there is no need to suddenly begin intense exercise.
You can start by:
- Walking a little more each day
- Using stairs when practical
- Breaking up long periods of sitting
- Adding walking or other aerobic activity
- Including manageable strength exercises
The aim is to create more opportunities to move during normal daily life.
If you are being treated for high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease or another health condition, or if you have concerns about exercise, speak with your doctor before starting a new exercise routine.
Look Beyond Body Weight Alone
Metabolic syndrome cannot be assessed by body weight alone.
Along with weight and BMI, it is useful to keep track of waist circumference, blood pressure, blood glucose and blood lipid levels through regular health checks.
Changes may be identified even when you do not notice any obvious symptoms.
Rather than assuming that “no symptoms means everything is fine,” use regular health checks to understand your overall condition.
Why Does Skin Tend to Feel Drier with Age?
People who are interested in shark liver oil or squalene may also be interested in beauty and changes in the skin that become more noticeable with age.
As we get older, changes in sebum production and the skin’s ability to retain moisture may make dryness more noticeable.
Skin condition can also be influenced by many factors other than age, including:
- Dry air
- UV exposure
- Air conditioning and heating
- Over-cleansing
- Very hot water
- Insufficient sleep
- Diet and general lifestyle habits
For this reason, maintaining comfortable, well-conditioned skin involves looking at both daily skincare and overall lifestyle habits rather than relying on a supplement alone.
Basic Ways to Help Maintain Skin Moisture
Avoid Over-Cleansing
Keeping the skin clean is important, but excessive scrubbing or frequent use of strong cleansing products may remove more of the skin’s natural oils than necessary.
When washing your face or bathing, try to cleanse gently without rubbing the skin too strongly.
Moisturise After Washing
After washing your face or bathing, the skin may lose moisture more easily.
Lotions, emulsions, creams and oils can be used as part of a regular moisturising routine.
Many different ingredients are used in moisturising products, so the important thing is to choose products that suit your skin and use them appropriately and consistently.
Think About UV Protection Throughout the Year
UV exposure is not limited to summer.
Depending on your lifestyle and the level of exposure, sunscreen, hats, clothing and other forms of sun protection can be incorporated into your daily routine throughout the year.
Diet and Sleep Matter Too
Your skin is part of your body, so general lifestyle habits are also important when considering skin condition.
Rather than relying on one particular “beauty ingredient,” start with a varied diet and sufficient rest.
A balanced diet should provide a range of nutrients, including protein, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals.
Why Is Squalane Used in Skincare Products?
In the beauty and skincare world, you may be more familiar with the word “squalane” than “squalene.”
As explained earlier, squalane is produced by hydrogenating squalene to improve its stability.
In cosmetic formulations, squalane is commonly used as an emollient to help smooth and condition the skin and reduce moisture loss.
It can be found in facial oils, moisturisers, creams and other skincare products designed to support everyday moisturising care.
However, this refers specifically to squalane used topically as a cosmetic ingredient.
Does Taking Shark Liver Oil Moisturise the Skin?
Although squalene in shark liver oil and squalane used in cosmetics are related compounds, it cannot be concluded that taking a shark liver oil supplement will improve dry skin, moisturise the skin, or improve wrinkles or sagging.
The fact that squalane is used in moisturising cosmetics does not mean that consuming squalene will provide the same effect.
If dry skin is a concern, everyday skincare measures such as appropriate moisturising, gentle cleansing and UV protection should be considered first.
If you experience persistent itching, rashes, cracking, inflammation or other significant skin problems, consult a doctor or other appropriate healthcare professional rather than relying on supplements.
How Should We Understand the Term “Antioxidant”?
When reading about squalene, you may also encounter the term “antioxidant.”
In general, antioxidant activity refers to the ability of a substance to help limit or inhibit oxidation.
Various food components and naturally occurring substances have been investigated for antioxidant-related properties under different research conditions.
However, the observation of antioxidant activity under particular research conditions does not mean that consuming the ingredient as a supplement will prevent ageing or provide a specific health benefit in people.
Likewise, it is not appropriate to conclude that an ingredient can prevent cancer, atherosclerosis, metabolic syndrome or age-related skin changes simply because antioxidant-related properties have been investigated.
When reading research information, it is useful to consider how the research was conducted, what was being investigated, the amount used and whether the findings have been confirmed in people under relevant conditions.
Health and Beauty as We Get Older
Changes that occur with age are a natural part of life.
When thinking about long-term health and skin condition, it is better to look at your overall lifestyle rather than relying on a particular food or supplement.
Everyday habits worth considering include:
- Eating a varied and balanced diet
- Staying physically active
- Getting sufficient sleep and rest
- Avoiding smoking
- Keeping alcohol intake moderate
- Protecting the skin from excessive UV exposure
- Using appropriate moisturising skincare
Dietary supplements should not be viewed as a replacement for these everyday habits.
When Choosing Shark Liver Oil, Look at the Ingredients Rather Than the Claims
When comparing shark liver oil supplements, it is useful to look beyond general health or beauty claims and check the actual product information.
Important details may include:
- The amount of squalene per capsule
- The recommended daily intake
- Other ingredients in the product
- Raw materials and ingredient sources
- Allergen information
- Directions and precautions
Even when two products are both described as “shark liver oil,” their composition and the amount of individual ingredients may differ.
For this reason, it is better to choose a supplement based on the actual ingredient information rather than the name of the product or general claims associated with shark liver oil.
What Should You Check on an Actual Shark Liver Oil Product?
When looking at a shark liver oil supplement, check the specific product information rather than relying on the words “shark liver oil” alone.
For example, Health Life NZ Shark Liver Oil (Squalene), available from Brilliant Life Products NZ, is a shark liver oil supplement formulated with squalene as its featured component.
When considering a product like this, useful information to check includes:
- The amount of squalene per capsule
- Other listed ingredients
- The recommended daily intake
- Raw materials
- Allergen information
- Storage instructions
- Usage precautions
One particularly important point is not to assume that a product contains a particular nutrient simply because it is shark liver oil.
General information about shark liver oil may mention components such as EPA, DHA, vitamins or other naturally occurring substances.
However, the actual composition of a finished supplement depends on the raw material, refining process and product formulation.
Always use the current label and ingredient information for the specific product as your reference.
What Does “Squalene 500 mg” Mean?
If a product states “Squalene 500 mg,” the figure refers to the amount of squalene provided in the product according to its ingredient information.
However, a higher amount does not automatically mean greater health benefits.
It is also not appropriate to compare the amount in a commercial supplement directly with an amount used in research and assume that the same outcome will occur.
Research conditions can differ considerably in terms of the formulation used, amount, duration and participants.
When using a supplement, check the manufacturer's recommended intake and follow the directions provided with the product.
Can Shark Liver Oil Replace a Healthy Diet and Exercise?
No.
Dietary supplements are intended to supplement the diet. They do not replace balanced nutrition, physical activity, sufficient sleep, smoking cessation or other healthy lifestyle habits.
This is particularly important when considering metabolic health.
If metabolic syndrome is a concern, reviewing lifestyle factors associated with visceral fat, blood pressure, blood glucose and blood lipid levels is more important than relying on shark liver oil.
Taking a supplement should not be used as a reason to ignore diet or physical activity.
For Beauty Concerns, Should You Prioritise Shark Liver Oil or Skincare?
If your main concern is dry skin or maintaining skin moisture, everyday skincare should be the starting point.
Avoiding excessive cleansing, moisturising after washing and protecting the skin from excessive UV exposure are practical measures that can be incorporated into a regular skincare routine.
Squalane is used in cosmetics as an emollient ingredient, but orally consumed squalene and topically applied squalane cosmetics should be considered separately.
Taking a shark liver oil supplement does not mean that you will receive the same moisturising effect as applying an appropriate skincare product directly to the skin.
Important Points When Using Shark Liver Oil Supplements
Shark liver oil is available as a dietary supplement, but this does not mean that it should be consumed in unlimited amounts simply because it is a food product.
Follow the Recommended Intake
Always check the recommended daily intake shown on the product label and follow the manufacturer's directions.
Taking more than the recommended amount does not necessarily provide greater benefits.
Check Other Supplements You Are Taking
If you use several supplements at the same time, check the ingredient information for each product.
Different supplements may contain some of the same ingredients, so it is useful to review your overall supplement intake rather than considering each product separately.
If You Are Taking Medication
If you are receiving treatment for a medical condition or regularly taking medication, consult your doctor, pharmacist or another qualified healthcare professional before starting a new supplement.
Dietary supplements should not be used as a replacement for medication prescribed by a healthcare professional.
During Pregnancy or Breastfeeding
Nutritional and safety considerations may differ during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding and are considering a shark liver oil supplement, seek advice from an appropriate healthcare professional before use.
If You Have Allergies
If you have an allergy to fish, seafood or other ingredients, carefully check the product's ingredient and allergen information before use.
If you are unsure about the source of an ingredient, contact the manufacturer or retailer for further product information.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shark Liver Oil and Squalene
Is shark liver oil the same as squalene?
No. Shark liver oil refers to oil obtained from shark liver, while squalene is a naturally occurring lipid that may be found in shark liver oil.
Some shark liver oil supplements are refined or formulated to provide squalene as a featured component.
Are squalene and squalane the same?
No. Squalane is a more stable compound produced by hydrogenating squalene.
Squalane is widely used in cosmetics and skincare products as an emollient ingredient, while squalene may be used as a component of dietary supplements. Their uses should not be confused.
Does shark liver oil contain EPA and DHA?
The composition varies by product.
The term “shark liver oil” alone does not tell you how much EPA or DHA a particular supplement contains.
If EPA and DHA are important to you when comparing products, check the actual ingredient and nutrition information provided for each product rather than assuming they are present.
Can shark liver oil be used to prevent or treat disease?
Shark liver oil and squalene supplements should not be regarded as products for diagnosing, treating, curing or preventing disease.
If you have a medical condition or concerns about your health, seek advice from an appropriate healthcare professional rather than relying on a dietary supplement for medical purposes.
Summary: Understand What Is Inside Shark Liver Oil Before Choosing a Supplement
Shark liver oil is an oil obtained from shark liver, and squalene is one of the components commonly associated with it.
Squalene is not found only in sharks. It also occurs naturally in the human body and can be found in certain plant-derived oils, including olive oil.
When learning about shark liver oil and squalene, three distinctions are particularly useful:
- Squalene and squalane are different compounds.
- Shark liver oil and conventional fish oil are not the same type of supplement.
- The composition of shark liver oil supplements can vary from product to product.
Squalene has been investigated in a number of research fields. However, research findings about a particular component should not automatically be interpreted as established benefits of a commercially available dietary supplement.
In particular, it is important not to assume that taking shark liver oil or squalene can prevent, treat or improve conditions such as cancer, metabolic syndrome or other lifestyle-related diseases.
The same distinction is important when considering beauty and skincare.
Squalane is widely used topically in cosmetics as an emollient ingredient, but this does not mean that consuming squalene as a supplement will provide the same moisturising effect.
As we get older, looking after our health and skin is best approached through everyday habits such as:
- Eating a varied and balanced diet
- Maintaining regular physical activity
- Getting sufficient sleep and rest
- Avoiding smoking
- Keeping alcohol intake moderate
- Having appropriate health checks
- Protecting the skin from excessive UV exposure
- Maintaining an appropriate moisturising skincare routine
Dietary supplements can be considered as part of your overall diet, but they should not replace these everyday habits.
When choosing a shark liver oil supplement, focus on what the product actually contains rather than simply asking what shark liver oil is “good for.”
Check the ingredient information, the amount of squalene provided, the recommended daily intake and any directions or precautions supplied with the product.
Understanding the product itself is one of the most useful steps you can take when deciding whether a particular supplement is appropriate for you.
Please Note:
This article is provided for general informational purposes regarding shark liver oil, squalene, nutrition, lifestyle and skincare. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, nor does it claim that any particular food or dietary supplement provides such effects. If you have a medical condition, take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have allergies or other health concerns, consult a doctor, pharmacist or other qualified healthcare professional before using dietary supplements.
