Thank you for sharing your story. You’re not alone in having trusted the collagen claims. As you discovered, research shows that collagen from bone broth isn’t absorbed in a way that directly supports joint health, and some people experience digestive issues like bloating from its high histamine content. We’re so glad this information was helpful and hope it supports your continued wellness journey!

~Myila, FRN Team

Thanks for digging into the references, Scott. You’re absolutely right , studies like the one from Medicina (2021) show that bone broth contains only minimal amounts of minerals like calcium and magnesium, which was a key point in our article. Despite the hype, bone broth isn’t a nutritional standout compared to many plant-based foods; for example, a cup of cooked collards has over 250 mg of calcium, more than ten times what’s in a typical cup of bone broth. As for heavy metals, the research is nuanced, but some studies show elevated lead levels in broth made from bones, raising concerns about long-term exposure, especially for children or vulnerable populations. Our article aimed to highlight that while bone broth may seem like a wellness cure-all, frequent consumption can bring unintended downsides like high sodium, histamine reactivity, or lead accumulation. For hydration and nourishment, great plant-based alternatives are made with ingredients like mushrooms, seaweed, and miso that offer flavor and trace minerals, without baggage. Thanks again for your thoughtful engagement.

~Myila, FRN Team

Noting that substituting bone broth for water would be extreme and obviously unbalanced. That should be discouraged!

Thank you for the support Kathryn! ~Sky, Food Revolution Network Impact Team.