Squalene

=Generalities= Squalene is a fat that is present in large quantities in shark liver oil and in lower quantities (0.1-0.7%) in olive oil and other grain oils. It is also present in human sebum. It is an essential intermediary in the biosynthesis of cholesterol. It is often confused w/ alkyl glycerol, which also comes from shark oil, but they are not the same.

=Properties= -Has a reducing effect on cholesterolemia (reduces the activity of HMG CoA-reductase by 81% and increases body energy through acetyh Co-A by 88%)

=Indications= -Atheroscerosis -Hypercholesterolemia

=Contraindications= Allergies to shark

=Therapeutic Dose= 3-6 capsules of 500mg./day