Health Guide

Alkylglycerols

Have you ever heard of Alkylglycerols (AKGs)? Also known as ether lipids, these are unique fat molecules naturally found in shark liver oil, breast milk, and bone marrow. Unlike the fats you eat in a burger, AKGs are 'ether lipids'—a chemical structure that makes them incredibly stable and bioactive. They are currently the subject of intense scientific study for their potential to modulate the immune system and support healthy inflammation responses. While they are naturally produced by our bodies, supplementing with AKGs is popular among those looking to boost immune resilience and speed up recovery from physical stress.

Evidence BasedDietary Supplement

VERIFIED SOURCE

Bio-Activity Analysis

Natural Concentration in Common Foods

SCIENTIFIC DATA VISUALIZATION

Y-Axis

Relative Concentration

Source →

Health Benefits & Sources

Why You Need It

Immune System Modulation: AKGs can help 'train' immune cells to react more efficiently to threats.
Inflammation Response: They may help cool down excessive inflammation in the body.
Bone Marrow Support: They are naturally concentrated in bone marrow, supporting blood cell production.

Deep Dive

Alkylglycerols act as signaling molecules. Think of them as the 'diplomats' of your cellular world. When your body encounters stress or an invader, AKGs help communicate the right response. Research suggests they accumulate in the cell membrane, influencing how cells grow and communicate. For athletes or those recovering from illness, AKGs are prized for their ability to potentially reduce fatigue and support the body's natural repair mechanisms without suppressing the immune system like some pharmaceutical drugs do.

Natural Food Sources

Alkylglycerols are rare in the standard Western diet. They are most concentrated in specific organ meats and marine oils.

Food	Amount	% DV
Shark Liver Oil	Very High	N/A
Cod Liver Oil	Moderate	N/A
Beef Bone Marrow	Moderate	N/A
Breast Milk	Moderate	N/A
Shellfish	Low	N/A

Supplementation

Since dietary intake is low, supplements derived from shark liver oil (squalene) are the primary source. Typical dosages in studies range from 300mg to 500mg daily. Because they are fat-soluble, take them with a meal containing fat for best absorption.

Top Food Sources

Shark Liver Oil

The most potent natural source.

Beef Bone Marrow

Roasted marrow bones.

Cod Liver

Found in the liver tissue.

Oysters

Trace amounts in shellfish.

Mother's Milk

Essential for infant immunity.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. While they look structurally similar to cholesterol (a steroid), AKGs are ether lipids. They do not have the hormonal effects of anabolic steroids.

Sharks rely on their liver for energy storage and buoyancy. Their livers are massive and packed with squalene and alkylglycerols to survive in cold, deep water.

Unless you regularly eat beef bone marrow or shark liver, it is difficult to achieve therapeutic levels from food alone. Supplementation is usually required for the immune benefits.

While some studies suggest AKGs may inhibit tumor growth, this is active research. It should not be used as a cancer treatment without strict medical supervision.

Safety & Side Effects

Alkylglycerols are generally considered safe and are naturally occurring in the body. However, because they can affect blood clotting and immune activity:

Avoid if you are taking blood thinners (anticoagulants) or have a bleeding disorder.
Avoid if you are pregnant or breastfeeding (unless prescribed by a doctor), due to a lack of safety data.
Consult a doctor if you have an autoimmune condition, as AKGs stimulate immune activity.

Scientific References

[1]Iannone, M., et al. (2019). 'Alkylglycerols: A review of their pharmacological activities and mechanisms.'
[2]Dembitsky, V. M., et al. (2013). 'Natural ether lipids: Biological activity and synthesis.'
[3]P��lsson, G., et al. (2018). 'Ether lipids and their role in immune modulation.'