Boosting Collagen

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body, making up much of the connective tissues, skin, and bones. As we age, our bodies lose the ability to make collagen, and as a result, joints, muscles, and skin integrity can be impacted. A poor diet, smoking, and UV damage from too much sunlight can also negatively affect our collagen production.¹

Adding collagen to the diet, either through supplements or collagen-rich foods, may help to combat the issues associated with collagen loss. Bone broth is a natural source of collagen, and it is high in the amino acids, glycine and proline - the two most abundant amino acids in collagen. 

Consumers have been turning to collagen-containing products to improve their skin, hair, and nails, and science suggests there may be some benefits to oral sources of collagen.

Collagen & Aging Skin

Many studies have been conducted to investigate the impact of dietary collagen on aging skin. In 2021, a systemic review and meta-analysis published in the International Journal of Dermatology summarized the scientific evidence on this topic. The authors reviewed 19 studies, which consisted of 1,225 subjects (mostly women) between the ages of 20 and 70 years. They concluded that the addition of supplemental collagen could “delay and improve the signs of skin aging by decreasing facial wrinkles and improving skin hydration and elasticity."² This improvement was seen over a 90-day course of treatment. 

Collagen & Nail Health

Keratin is the main protein found in our hair and nails. While it is distinct from collagen, research suggests that consuming collagen may help to improve brittle nail syndrome. A study of 25 women that ingested collagen daily for 24 weeks saw improved nail growth and decreased frequency of breaks.³ 

Collagen Content in Kettle & Fire Bone Broth

It has been suggested that hydrolyzed collagen, as found in supplements and used in most clinical trials, may be more readily available for absorption as compared to food-based collagen.⁴ However, the use of supplements is not without concern. Third-party testing organizations have found heavy metal contamination in many commercially available collagen supplements, which could put consumers at risk.⁵ 

Our Bone Broths offer a safer way to ingest collagen. An independent study by ConsumerLab.com found that 82% of the protein content in Kettle and Fire Bone Broth was collagen and that it did not exceed the acceptable limits for lead, cadmium, and arsenic.⁶  Bone broth offers consumers a natural, unprocessed way to ingest collagen without the use of expensive and risky supplements. 

Hyaluronic Acid 

In addition to collagen, bone broth is one of the few dietary sources of hyaluronic acid (HA). HA helps to keep the skin hydrated, helping to improve its appearance and texture.⁷ While the research behind dietary hyaluronic acid and skin health is limited, a study with rats was able to demonstrate that HA ingested orally was able to migrate to the skin.⁸ While further research is needed to determine if this effect happens in humans and if it translates to meaningful changes in skin health, it lays a foundation for the benefits of consuming products like bone broth that contain this molecule.