Alkylglycerols for Immunity: What You Need to Know

Key Findings

High-dose shark liver oil (containing 3.6 g/day alkylglycerols) significantly enhanced innate immune responses in 13 volunteers over 4 weeks. Key outcomes included increased neutrophil bacterial response, elevated serum C4 complement component, higher total antioxidant status, and a shift toward pro-inflammatory Type I cytokine production (IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-2) by peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Concurrently, total cholesterol rose significantly from 182.92 ± 29.29 mg/dL to 224.46 ± 62.20 mg/dL, with reduced HDL levels. These lipid changes reversed spontaneously post-intervention. The study concluded alkylglycerols and squalene drove the observed immune effects, while n-3 PUFA anti-inflammatory properties were suppressed. Authors recommended avoidance in atherosclerosis or autoimmune conditions despite infection-fighting potential.

Study Design

This 2005 observational study enrolled 13 human volunteers. It lacked a control group and randomization, measuring pre- vs. post-intervention changes after 4 weeks of shark liver oil supplementation. Primary endpoints included immune parameters (neutrophil function, cytokine profiles, complement C4), antioxidant status, and lipid metabolism markers. Demographics beyond sample size were not specified in the provided summary.

Dosage & Administration

Participants consumed 3.6 g/day of alkylglycerols, 3.6 g/day of squalene, and 750 mg/day of n-3 PUFA via shark liver oil for 4 consecutive weeks. Administration method (e.g., capsules, liquid) was not detailed in the summary.

Results & Efficacy

Quantifiable immune enhancements included elevated C4 complement levels and increased total antioxidant status. Cytokine analysis showed predominant Type I (pro-inflammatory) responses. Lipid metabolism was markedly affected: total cholesterol increased by 41.54 mg/dL (p<0.05 implied by "significant rise" though exact p-values weren't provided in the summary), while HDL decreased. All lipid abnormalities resolved after discontinuation. The immune effects were attributed specifically to alkylglycerols/squalene, with n-3 PUFA effects reportedly negated.

Limitations

Critical limitations include the extremely small sample size (n=13), absence of a control group, and short duration (4 weeks), reducing statistical power and reliability. No p-values or confidence intervals were reported in the provided summary for key outcomes. The multi-component formulation (alkylglycerols, squalene, n-3 PUFA) prevents isolating alkylglycerol-specific effects. Lack of demographic details (age, sex, health status) and未 reported blinding methodology further limit interpretability. No long-term safety data were collected.

Clinical Relevance

Supplement users should note this study suggests high-dose alkylglycerol-rich shark liver oil may acutely enhance antibacterial/antiviral immunity but significantly disrupts cholesterol balance. The transient nature of lipid changes offers limited reassurance, as repeated cycles could pose cardiovascular risks. Individuals with atherosclerosis, dyslipidemia, or autoimmune disorders should avoid such high doses due to the observed pro-inflammatory shift and cholesterol elevation. The findings do not support general supplementation for immune health given the adverse metabolic trade-offs, emphasizing context-specific use only under medical supervision for acute infection scenarios.