Last verified: 17 days ago
Bone Broth
Also known as: beef bone broth, chicken bone broth, bovine bone broth, collagen broth, stock
Evidence under review. — Not yet rated
Collagen-rich food supplement with inconsistent nutrient content and very limited clinical evidence.
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What it does
Bone broth is a liquid made by simmering animal bones for extended periods, releasing proteins, amino acids, and minerals into the water. It contains collagen precursors like glycine, proline, and...
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Evidence quality
Evidence base hasn't been formally rated yet. See research below.
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Clinical dose
No established dose
What the Science Says
Bone broth is a liquid made by simmering animal bones for extended periods, releasing proteins, amino acids, and minerals into the water. It contains collagen precursors like glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline, which are building blocks the body uses to make connective tissue. One animal study found that chicken bone broth supplementation reduced trigeminal nerve sensitivity in a migraine model, but no human clinical trials have confirmed health benefits.
What It Doesn't Do
Not a reliable source of collagen-building amino acids — lab analysis shows wildly inconsistent levels batch to batch. No proven joint repair in humans. No proven gut healing in humans. The 'superfood' label is marketing, not science. Don't expect it to replace actual collagen supplements studied in clinical trials.
Evidence-Based Benefits
Reduced trigeminal nerve sensitivity linked to migraine in a stress-exposed animal model.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: No established dose
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Bone broth provides inconsistent levels of collagen amino acids compared to standardized collagen supplements.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: No established dose
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Absorption & Bioavailability
Unknown — amino acid content varies dramatically between preparations, making bioavailability impossible to predict from current data
Red Flags to Watch For
- Amino acid content is highly inconsistent between commercial and homemade batches — you may not be getting what you think
- No human clinical trials exist in the provided evidence base to confirm any health benefit
- Commercial bone broth products often contain added gums, emulsifiers, and stabilizers not disclosed prominently on labels
- High sodium content in many preparations may be a concern for people watching salt intake
- Animal-only migraine research cannot be directly applied to human health claims
Products Containing Bone Broth
See how Bone Broth is used in these analyzed products:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Bone Broth do?
Collagen-rich food supplement with inconsistent nutrient content and very limited clinical evidence.
What is the effective dose of Bone Broth?
No established dose
Is Bone Broth safe?
Amino acid content is highly inconsistent between commercial and homemade batches — you may not be getting what you think
What doesn't Bone Broth do?
Not a reliable source of collagen-building amino acids — lab analysis shows wildly inconsistent levels batch to batch.
Research Sources
- PubMed
- NIH DSLD
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Last updated: 2026-05-25