There isn’t enough research to show whether bone broth specifically helps with eczema, but there are known skin benefits to drinking bone broth.

Bone broth has been in the spotlight recently for its numerous health benefits, including its anti-inflammatory properties and gut health support.

Some even suggest that bone broth may help relieve eczema, an inflammatory skin condition. While there’s anecdotal evidence of improvement, scientific research on this topic is limited. Here’s what we do know.

Bone broth offers several potential health benefits due to its rich nutrient profile, including amino acids and collagen, which can support skin health. Some individuals with eczema have reported improvements in their condition after incorporating bone broth into their diets.

However, scientific research on the direct and consistent benefits of bone broth for eczema is lacking. Eczema is a complex and individual condition, and what works for one person may not work for another.

How much bone broth should you drink for eczema?

The amount of bone broth you should consume for eczema or any specific condition can vary from person to person.

There’s no fixed recommendation, but many people start with a small amount, such as one cup (8 ounces) per day, and then adjust it based on their individual response.

Bone broth positively affects the skin through various mechanisms:

  • Skin elasticity and hydration: Bone broth is rich in collagen, which helps maintain skin elasticity, moisture, and overall integrity. A 2023 meta-analysis found that collagen supplements can significantly improve skin elasticity and hydration. However, bone broth has varying amounts of collagen depending on how it’s produced, so it’s not clear whether bone broth would have the same effect as the collagen supplements used in these studies.
  • Wound healing: Bone broth contains amino acids like arginine and glycine, which promote wound healing and help reduce inflammation. Research shows that amino acids contribute to skin health by promoting wound healing, maintaining the skin’s acid-base balance, retaining water in cellular layers, protecting against sun damage, and supporting a healthy skin microbiome.
  • Digestive health: Gut health is closely linked to skin health, and bone broth may aid in supporting a healthy digestive system. Research is very limited, but one study showed that when given preventively to mice with ulcerative colitis, bone broth reduced colon damage, suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokines, and boosted anti-inflammatory cytokines.

Bone broth may offer several potential health benefits:

  • Supports joint health: Bone broth is rich in collagen, which provides amino acids for maintaining and repairing joint tissues. Research shows that collagen supplementation decreases joint stiffness in people with osteoarthritis.
  • Promotes gut health: The gelatin in bone broth may support gut health by reducing inflammation and promoting the growth of good bacteria in the colon. However, more research is needed.
  • Rich in nutrients: Bone broth is packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, including calcium and magnesium, which are vital for overall health.
  • Hydrating: Bone broth is hydrating and nutrient-dense, making it an excellent choice for staying well-hydrated and nourished.
  • Supports skin health: Collagen supplementation has been shown to promote skin health by improving skin elasticity and hydration. However, it’s unclear if bone broth has the same effects.
  • Anti-inflammatory effects: Some compounds in bone broth may have anti-inflammatory properties. In theory, this could benefit various health conditions and potentially reduce skin inflammation.

Some online sources suggest introducing bone broth to babies once they’re old enough to start solid foods (about 6 months), but there’s limited research to support this.

It’s a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional for guidance, as there may be concerns about allergies or sensitivities in infants. Some research also shows that bone broth can contain lead.

However, the amount of lead found in bone broth is low enough that some experts believe the risk is minimal.

Bone broth is a nutrient-rich food with numerous potential health benefits, including promoting skin health, which may be particularly appealing if you’re living with eczema.

While scientific research on bone broth’s direct impact on eczema is lacking, it’s known to contain essential nutrients and elements that support skin health, such as arginine, glycine, gelatin, and collagen.

These components promote wound healing and reduce inflammation.