Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Alkylglycerols (AKGs) are ether lipids naturally found in high concentrations in shark liver oil and human bone marrow. Their use in managing radiation sickness has some scientific grounding, primarily from mid-20th-century research, though the evidence is limited and not robust by modern standards. Early animal studies (mostly in the 1950s-1970s) demonstrated that AKGs could increase the survival rate of irradiated animals, apparently by supporting hematopoiesis (the formation of blood cells). This effect was attributed to their ability to stimulate bone marrow recovery after radiation exposure, a critical aspect of managing radiation sickness, which often results in severe depletion of white and red blood cells. Some small clinical trials in Eastern Europe and Scandinavia reported similar protective effects in humans undergoing radiation therapy for cancer, noting improved blood counts and reduced infection rates. However, these studies were generally small, lacked rigorous controls, and results have not been widely replicated or validated in large, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials. Contemporary medical guidelines do not recommend alkylglycerols as a standard treatment for radiation sickness, and more research is needed to clarify their efficacy and safety. In summary, while there is some scientific rationale and limited evidence supporting their use, the overall quality of the data is low, meriting a modest evidence rating.

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