Shark cartilage comes from the dried and powdered skeletons of sharks. It supplies chondroitin sulfate, collagen, and other proteins. The form of chondroitin found here differs from the processed bovine chondroitin used in clinical research, and how well the body absorbs these compounds remains unclear.
People once turned to this supplement for joint complaints and other serious conditions, but human trials at standard doses have not backed up those hopes. Anyone taking it today usually does so for joint comfort despite thin and spotty evidence.
You will see shark cartilage sold as a powder or in capsules. A typical intake is several grams each day, often split across meals to ease stomach upset.
Watch for heavy metal contamination, since sharks accumulate mercury. The high protein content can burden weak kidneys, and a theoretical risk of extra bleeding exists. Safety is not established during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.