Does Chicken Broth Boost the Immune System? The Truth Behind a Classic Remedy

November 30, 2025 •

4 min read

According to traditional folklore, chicken soup has been a go-to remedy for the common cold since at least the 12th century. This tradition raises a persistent question: does chicken broth boost the immune system, or is its reputation just a myth passed down through generations? While it's not a magical cure, the scientific evidence suggests that chicken broth offers several benefits that can support and strengthen your body's natural defenses.

Quick Summary

Chicken broth and its components provide nutrients, hydration, and anti-inflammatory effects that support the immune system and relieve symptoms during illness. The warmth offers temporary decongestion, while key amino acids and minerals contribute to overall health. Homemade broth is generally superior to high-sodium canned varieties.

Key Points

Rich in Amino Acids: Chicken broth contains amino acids like glutamine and arginine, which are essential for producing antibodies and immune cells.
Supports Gut Health: With approximately 70% of immune cells in the gut, ingredients like glutamine and collagen from broth help maintain a healthy gut lining.
Excellent for Hydration: When ill, broth provides fluids and replenishes electrolytes (sodium, potassium) lost through fever or vomiting, preventing dehydration.
Possesses Anti-inflammatory Properties: Research indicates a mild anti-inflammatory effect from certain components in chicken soup, which can help alleviate respiratory symptoms.
Offers Decongestion Relief: The warm steam from a bowl of hot broth can temporarily help to open nasal passages and relieve congestion.
Homemade is Best: For maximum nutritional benefit and lower sodium content, homemade broth is superior to many high-sodium, low-nutrient commercial versions.

The Core Components: What’s Really in Chicken Broth?

Chicken broth is much more than just flavored water; it contains a variety of compounds extracted from the chicken meat, bones, and any added vegetables. The key to understanding its potential immune benefits lies in these components, particularly amino acids, minerals, and collagen.

Amino Acids: The Building Blocks of Immunity

Chicken broth contains numerous amino acids, including glutamine, arginine, and cysteine. These are the building blocks of protein and are vital for creating antibodies and white blood cells that fight infection. Glutamine, for instance, is crucial for the health of your gut lining, where approximately 70% of your immune system resides. Cysteine, meanwhile, has been shown to assist in the development of lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell.

Minerals and Electrolytes

During an illness, especially with fever or vomiting, the body loses essential electrolytes. Quality chicken broth, particularly slow-simmered bone broth, is a natural source of important minerals like sodium, potassium, and magnesium, which help maintain proper hydration and electrolyte balance. It is also a source of zinc, a mineral known to support immune response.

Collagen and Gelatin

As a byproduct of simmering chicken bones and connective tissues, broth contains collagen and gelatin. These compounds support joint health and the integrity of the gut lining. A healthy gut barrier is crucial for preventing pathogens from entering the bloodstream, effectively supporting your immune system. Collagen's amino acid profile also helps reduce inflammation, which can be beneficial during an infection.

The Power of Hydration and Anti-inflammatory Effects

One of the most immediate and undeniable benefits of chicken broth is its hydrating effect. Proper hydration is essential for all bodily functions, including immune response. When sick, the body's need for fluids increases, and broth provides a flavorful, easy-to-digest way to meet that need.

Additionally, some studies have shown that chicken broth can have a mild anti-inflammatory effect. One study noted that the amino acids released during the cooking process reduced inflammation in the respiratory system, offering relief from cold symptoms. The warm steam from the broth also helps to clear nasal passages and loosen congestion, providing temporary relief and comfort.

Homemade vs. Store-bought Broth

The quality and immune-supportive properties of chicken broth can vary significantly depending on whether it is homemade or store-bought. Homemade versions, often simmered for longer periods with a mix of chicken parts and vegetables, tend to be richer in nutrients.

Homemade Chicken Broth

Higher Nutrient Density: Slow-simmering extracts more beneficial compounds from the bones and cartilage.
Customizable Ingredients: Allows for adding other immune-boosting ingredients like garlic, onions, ginger, and turmeric.
Lower in Sodium: Gives you full control over the salt content, avoiding the high sodium found in many commercial products.

Store-bought Chicken Broth

Convenience: Easy and quick to use when feeling unwell.
Quality Varies: The nutritional value depends on the brand; some are heavily processed and contain high levels of sodium and additives.
Check Labels: Important to read the ingredient list to find options with minimal additives and lower sodium.

A Comparison of Broth and Key Supplements

To understand how chicken broth fits into a broader health strategy, let's compare its benefits with common immune-supporting supplements.


Feature	Homemade Chicken Broth	Vitamin C Supplement	Zinc Supplement	Probiotic Supplement
Immune-Boosting Nutrients	A broad range of amino acids, minerals (zinc, magnesium), and collagen.	High concentration of Vitamin C.	High concentration of Zinc.	Specific strains of beneficial bacteria.
Inflammation Reduction	Mild anti-inflammatory effects from amino acids and other compounds.	Can help reduce inflammation, though primarily an antioxidant.	Modulates immune response, can reduce inflammation.	Reduces inflammation linked to gut health.
Gut Health Support	Supports gut lining with gelatin, collagen, and glutamine.	Indirectly supports health via antioxidant effects.	N/A	Directly increases beneficial gut microbes.
Hydration	Excellent source of hydrating fluids and electrolytes.	N/A	N/A	N/A
Congestion Relief	Warm steam offers temporary nasal congestion relief.	No direct effect on congestion.	No direct effect on congestion.	No direct effect on congestion.
Bioavailability	Nutrients are often more easily absorbed by the body in liquid food form.	Absorption can vary depending on the form of the supplement.	Absorption can be enhanced with food.	Dependent on the quality and stability of the strains.
Overall Benefit	Holistic support for the body with added comfort.	Targeted support for a key antioxidant.	Targeted mineral support for immune cell function.	Targeted support for gut microbiota.

Is Chicken Broth a Cure-All?

While it’s clear that chicken broth offers robust support for the immune system, it is not a cure-all. Its strength lies in providing the body with vital resources—hydration, protein, and minerals—needed to mount an effective defense, rather than acting as a miracle treatment for an illness. The psychological comfort of a warm bowl of soup should also not be underestimated, as stress relief can play a role in recovery.

Conclusion: More Than a Myth

The notion that chicken broth is a healing food is far from a myth. Its rich nutritional profile provides foundational support for the immune system through hydration, anti-inflammatory compounds, and key amino acids. While it won't cure a cold instantly, it equips your body with the tools it needs to fight back more effectively. For the best results, opting for homemade, low-sodium broth enriched with extra vegetables, garlic, and herbs is the most nutritious choice. So, the next time you feel a bit under the weather, a warm bowl of chicken broth is a wise, nourishing choice for both your body and soul.

Authoritative Source

For more information on the immunomodulatory effects of chicken broth, refer to this scientific study: Immunomodulatory Effects of Chicken Broth and Histidine Dipeptides on Immunosuppressed Mice.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, chicken broth cannot cure a cold. However, it can help relieve some of the symptoms by providing hydration, soothing a sore throat with warmth, and offering nutrients that support your body's immune response.

Chicken broth is rich in amino acids like glycine and glutamine, as well as minerals such as zinc, magnesium, and potassium. These are all crucial for antibody production, white blood cell function, and overall immune health.

Yes, bone broth often has superior immune benefits, particularly when simmered for a long time. The prolonged cooking process extracts more gelatin, collagen, and minerals from the bones and connective tissues, all of which contribute to gut health and immune support.

Homemade broth is generally more beneficial because it is richer in nutrients and lower in sodium. Many store-bought broths are highly processed and may contain high levels of sodium, which is not ideal when you are ill.

The warm steam produced by hot chicken broth acts as a natural decongestant. The heat and moisture help to loosen mucus and open up nasal passages, providing temporary relief from congestion.

For an extra immune boost, consider adding ingredients like garlic (antibacterial), onions (anti-inflammatory), ginger (anti-inflammatory), and carrots (vitamin A and C) to your broth.

Yes, chicken broth is beneficial for gut health due to its amino acids, like glutamine, and gelatin. A healthy gut microbiome, where 70% of the immune system is located, is critical for regulating immune responses and fighting off pathogens.