Alternative Names for Shark Cartilage
While "shark cartilage" is the most common term, several other names are used interchangeably or refer to specific types of the supplement. These names can stem from commercial brand names, scientific classifications of the shark species, or different languages.
Scientific and Brand Names
When searching for this supplement, you might find it under these scientific or brand-specific labels:
- AE-941 / Neovastat: This is a specific, well-studied water-soluble shark cartilage extract that has been investigated in clinical trials, particularly for its potential anti-angiogenic properties.
- Sphyrna lewini: The scientific name for the hammerhead shark, one of the species from which the cartilage is sourced.
- Squalus acanthias: The scientific name for the spiny dogfish shark, another common source of shark cartilage.
- Carticin, Cartilade, BeneFin: These are brand names under which shark cartilage supplements have been marketed.
Foreign and Descriptive Names
Due to its global market, shark cartilage also has several non-English or descriptive names:
- Cartilage de Requin: The French translation for shark cartilage.
- Cartilago de Tiburon: The Spanish translation.
- Marine Collagen: A broader term that is sometimes used, as collagen is a primary component of shark cartilage. However, it's not a precise synonym as it can be derived from other marine animals.
- Marine Liquid Cartilage: A descriptive term for liquid formulations of the supplement.
Shark Cartilage vs. Related Supplements
It is important to differentiate between shark cartilage and other related supplements that are sometimes confused with it. While there are overlaps in composition, they are not the same.
Comparison Table: Shark Cartilage vs. Related Supplements
| Feature | Shark Cartilage | Bovine Cartilage | Chondroitin Sulfate | Collagen |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Source | Sharks (e.g., spiny dogfish, hammerhead) | Cattle (cows) | Animals, including sharks and cows | Various sources, including marine, bovine, and poultry |
| Composition | Whole, dried, or powdered cartilage; contains chondroitin, collagen, and other proteins | Whole, dried, or powdered cartilage from bovine sources | A specific glycosaminoglycan, a component of cartilage | A primary structural protein, a component of all cartilage |
| Uses | Originally marketed for cancer, also used for arthritis and psoriasis | Similar to shark cartilage, studied for cancer and arthritis | Most commonly used for osteoarthritis and joint health | Joint health, skin elasticity, and other connective tissue support |
| Status | Dietary supplement; efficacy unproven for many claims | Dietary supplement; efficacy unproven | Dietary supplement; more evidence for osteoarthritis than whole cartilage | Widely available as a supplement and food additive |
Important Considerations for Shark Cartilage
When exploring shark cartilage, several aspects are crucial to keep in mind, especially regarding its historical use and ethical concerns.
History and Controversies
Shark cartilage's popularity surged in the 1990s following claims that sharks do not get cancer, leading to the false idea that their cartilage could serve as a cancer cure in humans. This claim has been widely debunked, as sharks do, in fact, get cancer. Clinical studies have failed to provide substantial evidence supporting shark cartilage as an effective cancer treatment. The Federal Trade Commission even prohibited one provider from making such claims without adequate scientific proof.
Ethical and Environmental Concerns
The increased demand for shark cartilage has had a significant negative impact on shark populations. Many species, including the spiny dogfish and hammerhead, have seen their populations decline due to overfishing for this and other products. This has led to serious ethical and environmental concerns regarding the sustainability and morality of sourcing shark-based supplements. As a result, consumers are encouraged to be mindful of the origin and environmental impact of the supplements they choose.
Bioavailability and Effectiveness
One of the primary issues with orally consuming shark cartilage is its bioavailability. As a large protein, it is broken down by the digestive system, meaning the anti-angiogenic and other purported compounds are likely not absorbed intact into the bloodstream in sufficient quantities to have a therapeutic effect. This explains why clinical trials have largely failed to demonstrate the effectiveness seen in some laboratory settings.
Conclusion: More Than Just One Name
Yes, there are several other names for shark cartilage, ranging from specific commercial brands and experimental codes like Neovastat to foreign language translations and scientific species names. For consumers, it is vital to understand that these different names often represent different forms or marketing strategies for the same underlying product. However, it is equally important to recognize the significant distinction between whole shark cartilage and its components, such as chondroitin sulfate, as well as alternative cartilage sources like bovine. The historical and environmental controversies surrounding shark cartilage mean that careful consideration of ethical sourcing and the scientific evidence for effectiveness is crucial before consumption.
