ALKYLGLYCEROLS: Inflammation, cancer fighter

You probably have never heard of these fat-soluble compounds, but if you know anyone who is enduring a round of radiation treatments or chemotherapy, you might want to read up on them. Alkylglycerols both improve orthodox cancer therapies and spare the body from some of their inherent damage. These remarkable compounds can also deliver a little more immune system protection from colds or the flu. And because they aid in reducing inflammation, they might be useful for arthritis and psoriasis. They also boost the ability of other cells to protect themselves from free radical damage.

I’ve limited my use of alkylglycerols mainly to cancer patients, based on Swedish research that dates back to the 1970s. One study found that chemotherapy, especially as a treatment for uterine cancer, shrinks tumours more significantly when the patient is taking alkylglycerol supplements. At the same time, alkylglycerols protect healthy cells from some of the damage inflicted by radiation therapy.

For older people or anyone else with a weak immune system, supplements offer a little resistance to a cold, the flu or a bronchial infection. Their contribution to immune strength comes from their creation and support of the white blood cells, which fight off bacteria, viruses and other invaders. Unlike drugs, they are completely nontoxic and can be used for as long as you’d like. The body never develops an immunity to them.

Alkylglycerols, found naturally in the spleen, the liver; bone marrow and breast milk, help the body to produce white blood cells, red blood cells, and blood platelets. Whenever any of these blood components is low, supplements can come in handy.

SUPPLEMENT SUGGESTIONS

For daily health maintenance, I usually recommend 500 mg of shark liver oil extract, which yields 100 mg of alkylglycerols. If a serious infection, cancer or HIV demands a stronger immune response, I’ll prescribe 1,000-1,500 mg. Few companies can correctly perform the delicate, difficult extraction of alkylglycerols from shark liver, so the quality of many supplement brands cannot be assured. Rather than take your chances with an off-the-shelf product, you probably should consult a complementary doctor.