Does gelatin help with inflammation?

December 25, 2025 •

3 min read

Research in animal models suggests that gelatin, a dietary component rich in amino acids like glycine and proline, may possess anti-inflammatory properties, particularly in the gut and joints. But does gelatin help with inflammation in a way that is applicable to human health, and what does current evidence reveal?

Quick Summary

Gelatin contains amino acids such as glycine and proline that demonstrate anti-inflammatory activity, potentially benefiting gut and joint health. Evidence comes mainly from animal and in-vitro studies, highlighting a need for further human research.

Key Points

Glycine's Role: Glycine in gelatin has demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects by potentially reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines in animal studies.
Gut Health: Gelatin may help fortify the gut lining, potentially reducing inflammation linked to increased intestinal permeability.
Joint Support: By providing collagen building blocks, gelatin may aid in cartilage support and potentially reduce joint pain, particularly in osteoarthritis.
Digestive Aid: Gelatin can assist digestion and may help soothe the gut.
More Human Research Needed: While promising, current evidence largely comes from animal studies, and more robust human trials are required to confirm broad anti-inflammatory effects.

The Anti-Inflammatory Potential of Gelatin

Gelatin is a protein derived from the partial hydrolysis of collagen. It is produced by boiling animal bones and connective tissues, yielding a substance known for its gelling properties and rich amino acid profile, including glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline. These amino acids are thought to contribute to gelatin's potential health benefits, such as supporting an anti-inflammatory response.

The Role of Amino Acids in Inflammation

Studies, primarily in animals, have investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of gelatin's amino acids, notably glycine and the peptide prolyl-hydroxyproline (Pro-Hyp).

Glycine: Glycine has been observed to act as an anti-inflammatory agent. In intestinal tissue, it may help reduce levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines like interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α.
Prolyl-Hydroxyproline (Pro-Hyp): This peptide, derived from gelatin, has also shown significant anti-inflammatory effects in animal gut models.

Gelatin for Gut Health and Inflammation

Gelatin's potential impact on gut health is a key area of interest regarding its anti-inflammatory properties. A healthy gut lining is essential, as many inflammatory responses can originate in the digestive system.

Strengthening the Gut Lining: Gelatin's amino acids, particularly glutamic acid, may help support and repair the gut lining. This can be important for addressing increased intestinal permeability (sometimes referred to as 'leaky gut'), where a compromised lining may allow substances to enter the bloodstream and trigger inflammation. Gelatin may support the production of proteins like occludin and ZO-1, which are vital for maintaining gut integrity.
Soothing the Digestive Tract: Gelatin's gelling quality may provide a soothing and protective effect on the digestive tract, which could benefit individuals with conditions like IBS or ulcerative colitis.

Gelatin for Joint Inflammation and Pain

As gelatin comes from collagen, a major component of cartilage, its link to joint health is often discussed.

Supporting Cartilage: Gelatin provides amino acids that are building blocks for collagen production, which may support joint cartilage and improve mobility. This mechanism is particularly relevant for conditions like osteoarthritis, which involves cartilage degradation.
Reducing Joint Pain: Some initial studies and user reports indicate that regular supplementation with gelatin or collagen peptides may help decrease joint pain associated with osteoarthritis and activity. However, larger, well-controlled human studies are still needed to confirm these findings.

Gelatin vs. Hydrolyzed Collagen: A Comparison

Both gelatin and hydrolyzed collagen (collagen peptides) come from the same source but differ in processing and properties.


Feature	Gelatin	Hydrolyzed Collagen (Peptides)
Processing	Partially hydrolyzed	Fully hydrolyzed, smaller peptides
Solubility	Dissolves in hot liquids, gels when cooled	Dissolves in hot and cold liquids
Gelling Property	Yes	No
Absorption	Less efficiently absorbed	More bioavailable
Primary Benefit	Gut support, gelling agent	Easy supplement, skin/joint/bone health
Best For	Bone broths, gummies, thickening	Adding to drinks

Hydrolyzed collagen is often chosen for general joint support due to better absorption and ease of use. Gelatin's gelling properties are specifically valued for certain gut support applications.

How to Incorporate Gelatin into Your Diet

Gelatin can be added to your diet in various ways:

Homemade Bone Broth: Cooking animal bones and connective tissues yields a gelatin-rich broth.
Added to Beverages: Powdered gelatin can be bloomed and mixed into hot drinks like tea or coffee, or incorporated into hot cereals.
Nutrient-Dense Gummies: Making gummies with gelatin is a popular and tasty option.
Thickening Agent: Use gelatin in sauces, gravies, and desserts.

Important Considerations and Limitations

While animal and cell studies show promise for gelatin's anti-inflammatory effects in specific contexts like gut and joint health, it's important to note the limitations of current research. Many human studies are limited in scope or have inconsistent results, and strong evidence for widespread systemic anti-inflammatory effects is lacking. Gelatin is an animal product, so those with dietary restrictions or ethical concerns should consider alternatives such as fish gelatin.

Always consult a healthcare professional or registered dietitian before adding new supplements to your routine.

Conclusion: Does gelatin help with inflammation?

Current research suggests that gelatin has potential benefits for inflammation, primarily through its support of gut and joint health, attributed to its amino acid content, particularly glycine and proline. These amino acids may help regulate inflammatory responses and strengthen the gut barrier. While animal studies are encouraging, more extensive human trials are needed to fully confirm these effects and explore potential broader applications. Gelatin can be a useful dietary addition for those looking to support gut health and alleviate joint pain nutritionally.

Visit the NIH website for more detailed information on clinical studies

Frequently Asked Questions

Gelatin is partially hydrolyzed collagen that gels when cooled, used for thickening. Collagen peptides are fully hydrolyzed, more easily absorbed, and dissolve without gelling.

Some studies suggest gelatin may help reduce pain and improve function in osteoarthritis by supporting cartilage. However, more human research is needed.

Yes, bone broth made by simmering animal bones and connective tissues is a good natural source of gelatin.

Gelatin is generally safe, but high doses might cause mild digestive issues like bloating. Using quality products and starting with small amounts is recommended.

You can add gelatin powder to hot drinks, soups, or smoothies. Making bone broth or homemade gummies are other ways.

Evidence is stronger for localized inflammation in the gut and joints. More research is needed to determine if gelatin effectively addresses widespread systemic inflammation.

Regular gelling gelatin is often preferred for gut health due to its potential soothing effect on the digestive tract. Bovine sources from quality animals are common.