Do doctors recommend drinking bone broth?

November 18, 2025 •

6 min read

While bone broth has been a staple in traditional diets for centuries, modern medical research on many of its purported benefits is still developing. The question of whether do doctors recommend drinking bone broth is nuanced, with most experts viewing it as a nutritious supplement rather than a cure-all.

Quick Summary

Expert opinions acknowledge bone broth's nutritional components like protein, amino acids, and minerals. However, they caution that strong scientific evidence is limited for many specific health claims, emphasizing its role as a healthy dietary addition, not a miracle solution.

Key Points

Expert Consensus: Doctors and dietitians view bone broth as a nutritious, safe addition to a balanced diet, not a miracle cure.
Limited Evidence for Specific Claims: While containing beneficial nutrients, there is limited direct human research to support claims of bone broth curing ailments like leaky gut or dramatically improving joint or skin health.
Rich in Protein and Amino Acids: Bone broth is a good source of protein, and amino acids like glycine and glutamine that can support muscle and digestive health.
Hydration and Electrolytes: Its high water and electrolyte content make it an excellent choice for staying hydrated and replenishing minerals, especially during illness or after exercise.
Potential Risks and Quality Matters: Key concerns include high sodium in some commercial broths and potential heavy metal contamination from low-quality bones. Quality varies significantly, making homemade often preferable.
Consult a Professional: Individuals with health conditions, such as high blood pressure or kidney disease, should always consult a physician or registered dietitian before adding bone broth to their diet.

What Doctors and Experts Say About Bone Broth

Many doctors and registered dietitians acknowledge that bone broth can be a beneficial and nutrient-rich part of a healthy diet, but they emphasize a balanced, science-based perspective. Instead of promoting it as a miraculous health tonic, as is often seen on social media, medical professionals generally view it as a quality food item that can offer supplemental nutrition. Registered dietitians like Julia Zumpano from the Cleveland Clinic and Cassandra Neal with Hartford HealthCare Medical Group confirm that the broth provides protein, minerals, and amino acids. The key takeaway from most expert opinions is that while bone broth is a healthy addition, it is not a 'golden ticket' to instant wellness and should not replace a diverse intake of whole foods.

Documented Benefits and Supporting Nutrients

Bone broth's nutritional profile is its main strength, offering components that support overall health. A longer cooking time is thought to allow for the extraction of more nutrients from the bones.

Rich in Protein and Amino Acids: Bone broth provides a notable amount of protein, often 8–10 grams per cup, which is important for muscle maintenance and overall health. When boiled, the collagen from the bones breaks down into gelatin, which contains amino acids like glycine and proline that the body can use to build its own tissues.
Hydration and Electrolytes: Made primarily of water, bone broth is hydrating. It also contains electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and magnesium, which help regulate nerve and muscle function and can be particularly beneficial for rehydration after exercise or during illness.
Digestive Comfort: Many experts note that a warm cup of bone broth can be soothing for the stomach. While human research is limited, animal studies and anecdotal reports suggest the gelatin and amino acids may support the intestinal wall and aid digestion.
Joint Support: The amino acids derived from collagen may assist in maintaining healthy joints, ligaments, and tendons. While the amount of collagen is typically lower than in supplements, it still contributes to the body's pool of building blocks for connective tissue repair.

Health Claims with Insufficient Evidence

Despite the popularity, medical experts highlight several claims that lack robust scientific evidence directly supporting the consumption of bone broth itself.

Direct Collagen Boosting: The body breaks down collagen into amino acids before using them. While the amino acids are beneficial, there is no strong evidence that drinking collagen-rich bone broth will directly increase the body's collagen levels more effectively than other protein sources.
Miracle Gut Repair: While some components may assist gut health, definitive human research on bone broth's ability to 'heal leaky gut' or reverse chronic gastrointestinal conditions is currently limited.
Anti-Aging Effects: Claims that bone broth will magically erase wrinkles or dramatically improve skin elasticity lack direct scientific backing. The amino acids support skin health, but results are not guaranteed and are more reliably achieved through a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.
Cure-All Status: The idea that bone broth is a 'magic bullet' for all health woes is not supported by the medical community. Its benefits are supplementary, and a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole foods remains the foundation of good health.

Comparison Table: Bone Broth Options


Feature	Homemade Bone Broth	Store-Bought Bone Broth	Collagen Supplements
Control	Full control over ingredients, bones, and simmering time.	Variable quality depending on brand. Must check labels for sodium and additives.	Concentrated and standardized dosage, easy to track.
Cooking Time	Long simmering, typically 12-48 hours, for maximum nutrient extraction.	Often shorter cooking times, which may result in fewer nutrients.	None, comes ready to use as a powder or liquid.
Nutrients	Yields amino acids, minerals, and gelatin in a bioavailable form.	Nutrient content can vary significantly. Look for labels indicating long-simmered broth.	Delivers a concentrated, hydrolyzed form of collagen, often with specific dosing.
Cost	Generally more cost-effective, using leftover bones and vegetable scraps.	Can be expensive for high-quality brands. Low-quality options are cheaper but less nutritious.	Higher cost per serving than most homemade broths.
Verification	Quality can be visually confirmed; a gelatinous consistency upon cooling indicates high collagen extraction.	Quality is harder to verify without research. Needs to be a trusted brand with long simmering times specified.	Provides a specific, measurable amount of collagen, as tested in scientific studies.

Potential Risks and Cautions

Medical experts advise being mindful of potential downsides, including:

Heavy Metals: Some studies have raised concerns about the potential for heavy metals, like lead, to leach from animal bones during prolonged simmering. While other studies suggest the risk is low, using high-quality, organic bones is recommended.
High Sodium Content: Many commercial bone broths are high in sodium. Excessive sodium can pose a risk for individuals with high blood pressure, heart disease, or kidney issues. Opting for low-sodium or unsalted varieties is advised.
Histamine Intolerance: For individuals sensitive to histamines, the long simmering time can concentrate histamines, potentially causing adverse reactions such as headaches or digestive upset.

Conclusion: The Final Word on Bone Broth

Ultimately, the medical community views bone broth as a nutritious and safe addition to most diets, but not a cure-all or a replacement for a balanced, whole-food diet. It is a good source of protein, minerals, and hydrating electrolytes. However, many of the more ambitious health claims related to dramatic improvements in gut health, joint pain, or anti-aging are not yet fully supported by direct human research on the broth itself. The amount and quality of nutrients can also vary greatly, with homemade versions often providing the best results and control over ingredients. It is important for individuals, particularly those with existing health conditions, to consult a physician or registered dietitian before incorporating significant dietary changes. A balanced diet rich in varied proteins, vegetables, and fruits remains the cornerstone of lasting health.

For more information on balanced nutrition and healthy eating, the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health offers comprehensive resources on their website.

What are some examples of what to add to bone broth for enhanced flavor and nutrition?

Toppings and additions: You can add chopped vegetables like carrots and celery, fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme, spices like turmeric and ginger for anti-inflammatory benefits, or proteins like shredded chicken or tofu to make it more filling.

Is bone broth effective for weight loss?

Weight management: As bone broth is high in protein and low in calories, it can help promote satiety and reduce overall caloric intake, aiding in weight management. However, it is not a magic solution and works best as part of a calorie-conscious diet.

How does store-bought bone broth compare to homemade?

Homemade vs. store-bought: Homemade broth generally offers more control over ingredients and sodium content, and a longer simmer time can result in higher nutrient extraction. Store-bought options vary greatly in quality and sodium, so it's essential to check labels carefully.

Can bone broth help heal a leaky gut?

Leaky gut syndrome: Some components like gelatin and glutamine are known to support the intestinal wall in studies. While these nutrients may help, there is limited human research on bone broth specifically curing leaky gut, and it is not a guaranteed remedy.

How long should I simmer homemade bone broth for?

Simmer time: For optimal nutrient extraction and flavor, homemade bone broth should be simmered for an extended period, typically 12 to 24 hours, or even up to 48 hours.

Are there any side effects to drinking bone broth?

Potential side effects: While generally safe, bone broth can have high sodium levels in commercial versions, which is a concern for some individuals. For a small percentage of the population with histamine intolerance, the high histamine content can cause adverse reactions.

What is the difference between bone broth and regular stock?

Broth vs. stock: Bone broth is typically simmered for a much longer period than stock (12-48 hours vs. 3-4 hours) and uses more bones and joints. This longer process extracts more collagen and minerals, giving bone broth a thicker, more gelatinous texture when chilled.

Frequently Asked Questions

Doctors acknowledge that bone broth contains collagen and amino acids like glycine and proline, which are building blocks for joint cartilage and ligaments. However, they note that direct scientific evidence for bone broth alone relieving joint pain is limited, and a balanced diet with other protein sources is also important.

While some components of bone broth, such as glutamine and gelatin, have shown benefits for intestinal health in animal studies, human research on bone broth's ability to cure 'leaky gut' is lacking. Doctors generally recommend it as a supportive food for digestive health, not a cure.

Bone broth contains collagen, but the body breaks it down into amino acids regardless of the source. Experts state there is no strong evidence that the collagen from bone broth is more beneficial for skin and hair health than protein from other food sources.

For most healthy individuals, drinking bone broth daily is safe, provided you monitor sodium intake, especially with commercial products. Those with kidney disease or histamine intolerance should consult a doctor, as high levels of sodium or histamines can be problematic.

Homemade bone broth is often considered better because it allows for full control over ingredients, sourcing high-quality bones, and simmering for a long enough period to ensure maximum nutrient extraction. Store-bought quality varies significantly, and some may have high sodium or short cooking times.

Studies on lead contamination in bone broth are mixed. Some experts conclude that levels are too low to be a health concern when consumed in moderation, especially when using high-quality bones. However, they advise against excessive consumption from potentially poor-quality sources.

The primary difference is the simmering time and ingredients. Bone broth is simmered significantly longer (12-48 hours) using more bones and connective tissue, which extracts more collagen and minerals, resulting in a gelatinous texture when cooled.