Benefits of Bone Broth | What the Science Says
Bone broth has been used in traditional cooking across cultures for generations. Made by slowly simmering bones in water, it has long been valued for its flavour, versatility, and time-honoured preparation.
In recent years, interest in bone broth has grown, with researchers examining its composition and how it is used within everyday diets. While bone broth is not a medicine, scientific research helps explain why it continues to feature in kitchens around the world.
What Is Bone Broth?
Bone broth is prepared by simmering animal bones over an extended period of time. This slow process allows naturally occurring compounds to be released into the liquid, including proteins, amino acids, and minerals that occur naturally in bones (Ried et al., 2021).
The final composition of bone broth depends on factors such as the type of bones used, cooking time, and preparation method.
What Does Science Say About Bone Broth?
Scientific research into bone broth has primarily focused on its composition and its inclusion within everyday eating patterns, rather than positioning it as a treatment for medical conditions.
A clinical study conducted by the National Institute of Integrative Medicine (NIIM) investigated the effects of consuming a specific beef bone broth formulation in Australian adults experiencing gastrointestinal discomfort (Ried et al., 2021).
Overview of the study
Participants consumed a measured daily amount of beef bone broth over an eight-week intervention period. Researchers assessed gastrointestinal symptoms using validated questionnaires, alongside measures of quality of life and intestinal permeability (Ried et al., 2021).
What the researchers observed
The study reported statistically significant changes in gastrointestinal symptom scores, stool consistency and frequency, and intestinal permeability markers among participants who had elevated levels at baseline (Ried et al., 2021).
Validated assessment tools used in the study included the Birmingham IBS Symptom Questionnaire and the IBS-Quality of Life questionnaire (Roalfe et al., 2008; Hahn et al., 1997).
It is important to note that:
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The research examined one specific bone broth formulation
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Participants were adults, not children
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Outcomes were observed within a controlled study setting
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The findings do not indicate that bone broth is a cure or medical treatment
How Bone Broth Fits Into Everyday Eating
From a scientific perspective, bone broth is best understood as a traditionally prepared food. Its long simmering process produces a savoury liquid containing naturally occurring compounds that many people enjoy as part of meals or cooking routines.
Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) emphasises that foods should be enjoyed as part of a varied, balanced diet, and that nutrition and health claims must be supported by appropriate evidence (FSANZ, n.d.).
Why Bone Broth Has Stood the Test of Time
Across cultures, bone broth has remained a staple due to its simple preparation, versatility, and ability to add flavour and depth to meals. Modern research helps describe its composition, while its continued popularity reflects long-standing culinary tradition rather than modern health trends (Ried et al., 2021)
Key Takeaway
Bone broth isn’t new, and it isn’t a miracle food. Scientific research supports its role as a traditionally prepared food containing naturally occurring compounds, best enjoyed as part of everyday meals and regular cooking (Ried et al., 2021)
