Fish Oil and Glucosamine or Shark Cartilage?

KristijanM · 10-01-2007, 08:30 PM

Hi all,

I had a knee reconstruction (ACL) around 3 months ago, and have just started to get back in my weights. I've been taking both fish oil and glucosamine for about 6 months now...but my personal trainer said I should give shark cartilage a try (powered form) as it's more potent and would be better in my situation.

Not knowing much about it, I went and asked the girl working at my local GNC, and she said I'd be better off sticking with my fish oil and glucosamine.

So now I turn to the knowledge of all you guys here at BB.com...what's your opinion/recommendation?

Cheers,
-Kristijan

Thug9 · 10-01-2007, 08:33 PM

shark cartlidge is like the old version, a doctor told me that was used a long time ago. i used it b4 yrs ago but i stuck wit glucosamine

Thug9 · 10-01-2007, 08:34 PM

my bad i didnt read the whole thing, you might wanna give it a try cuz you never know if your body reacts a certain way.

TinyMan · 10-01-2007, 09:04 PM

Boo on the shark cartilage. There is little to nothing to actually show that it does anything really beneficial (supplementation of shark cartilage actually largely came from the belief that sharks cannot get cancer - which is totally and utterly incorrect). The minute evidence that cartilage may have a role is grossly misinterpreted (deliberately?), or blown out of proportion.

As far as I know, the only thing that could even be taken from it is the calcium - which can be gotten from far more renewable sources. Very poorly supported, taken from a source that barely renews (ever seen how you GET shark cartilage? It's pretty sickening), and overhyped/overblown. I won't buy any products that contain it - and I've got severe issues buying from companies who even support using it; it's incredibly irresponsible.

Skip the shark cartilage. Use fish oil (fish oil is far more renewable than shark cartilage - although even that is not considered a long-term sustainable solution) and glucosamine/MSM.

KristijanM · 10-01-2007, 09:15 PM

Thank you both for your replies

I'll keep Googling around and see if I can find anything on the matter. However, you seem to know your stuff TinyMan, so I think I may just stick with the fish oil and glucosamine.

Thanks,
-Kristijan

babolat06 · 10-01-2007, 09:15 PM

ive heard that using shark cartilage because of the shark's abilities/condition is like grinding up a monkey for its tree climbing ability. made me lol