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Alternatives to Squalene Shark Oil

Squalene is an intermediate in cholesterol production. It is produced in the human liver and transported throughout the body, accumulating in the skin where it serves as a free radical scavenger. Squalene is included in a range of cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and vaccines, and is researched as an antioxidant and anti-cancer compound. It is predominantly extracted from shark liver for commercial use. Vegetable oils are the main alternative source for squalene. Improved extraction and quantification will increase their commercial value.

  1. Sharks

    • Shark liver oil yields the highest known quantity and purity of squalene; however, concerns over depleting shark populations are growing. According to the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), over a quarter of shark species are over-exploited for commercial use. In 2005, 201 shark species were on the International Union for Conservation of Nature list of endangered species.

    Olive Oil

    • Olive oil has the highest squalene content of all vegetable oils. The reduced cancer risk associated with a diet rich in olive oil is linked to the presence of squalene. Approximately 0.7 percent of refined olive oil is squalene. Some squalene is lost during the the refining process, but is able to be recovered from the distillate. It is possible to yield squalene with a purity of 90 percent from olive oil.

    Amaranth Seed Oil

    • Despite the seed of the amaranth plant being only 7 percent oil, it is estimated that between 6 to 8 percent of that is squalene. Squalene is also lost during the refining process of amaranth oil, but due to the higher starting concentration of squalene compared to olive oil, it is possible to recover distilled squalene by an easier method.

    Palm Oil

    • Approximately 1 percent of palm oil is composed of phytonutrients. Despite this low amount, the presence of these phytonutrients such as squalene, vitamin E and co-enzyme Q10 enhances its therapeutic benefits. Researchers from the University of Malaya in Malaysia described a rapid Gas Chromatography-Flame Ionization Detection technique that reduces squalene loss during the quantification process.

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