Based on NIH | Is it true that drinking chicken bone broth can reverse osteoporosis?

No there is no reliable evidence that drinking chicken bone broth can reverse osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a medical condition where bones lose density and strength, and while nutrition is important, reversing established bone loss generally requires a combination of proven treatments, adequate calcium and vitamin D, targeted exercise, and fall‑prevention strategies. ^{[1] [2]} Eating a balanced diet with enough calcium, vitamin D, and protein supports bone health, but bone broth specifically has not been shown in clinical guidelines or high‑quality trials to rebuild bone to the point of reversing osteoporosis. ^{[1] [3]}

What osteoporosis treatment involves

• Core goals are to slow or stop bone loss and prevent fractures, often with medications that either slow bone breakdown or help rebuild bone. ^[2]
• Lifestyle foundations include sufficient calcium, vitamin D, and protein; regular weight‑bearing and muscle‑strengthening exercise; not smoking; and limiting alcohol, alongside fall‑prevention. ^{[1] [2]}

Where bone broth fits nutritionally

Bone broth can be a comforting, protein‑containing food, but its actual calcium and vitamin D content is typically low and highly variable, because minerals don’t transfer efficiently from bone to broth in common home recipes. While it may provide small amounts of collagen peptides (gelatin), broth alone is unlikely to supply the clinically recommended daily calcium (about 1,000–1,200 mg for most adults) or vitamin D needs. ^[3] Ensuring adequate intake from better‑documented sources dairy or fortified alternatives, leafy greens, calcium‑set tofu, canned fish with bones for calcium, and safe sun exposure or vitamin D fortified foods/supplements for vitamin D matters more for bone health. ^[3]

Evidence on collagen and bone

• Some small studies suggest that a specialized combination of calcium plus collagen chelate might modestly attenuate bone loss in postmenopausal women with low bone density over 6–12 months, compared with calcium and vitamin D alone. However, these formulations are not the same as homemade bone broth, and results are mixed across studies. ^[4]
• Other randomized trials of collagen hydrolysates did not show meaningful improvement in bone turnover markers versus placebo over 24 weeks, especially when overall calcium intake was inadequate. ^[5]

In short, collagen‑containing products are being studied, but current data do not show that bone broth reverses osteoporosis, and any potential benefits appear small and inconsistent without meeting calcium and vitamin D needs and without approved therapies when indicated. ^{[5] [4]}

What is proven to help

• Nutrition targets: Most adults need about 1,000 mg calcium daily up to age 50 for women and 70 for men, and 1,200 mg for women over 50 and men over 70, plus adequate vitamin D to support calcium absorption. ^[3] Getting these from food first, adding supplements if diet falls short, is commonly recommended. ^[1]
• Exercise: Regular weight‑bearing (e.g., walking, stair climbing) and resistance exercises to stimulate bone and improve strength and balance. ^[1]
• Lifestyle: Avoid smoking and limit alcohol; work on fall‑prevention at home. ^[1]
• Medications when needed: Depending on bone density and fracture risk, clinicians may prescribe drugs that slow bone resorption or build bone. ^[2]

Practical takeaway

• Enjoy bone broth if you like it, especially as part of a high‑protein eating pattern, but don’t rely on it to treat or reverse osteoporosis. It may contribute some protein and fluids, but it is not a substitute for meeting calcium and vitamin D targets or for evidence‑based therapies. ^{[1] [3]}
• Focus on a complete bone health plan: proven nutrition, exercise, fall‑prevention, and, when indicated, medical therapy. This comprehensive approach is what has been shown to protect bones and reduce fracture risk. ^{[1] [2]}

Quick comparison: bone broth vs. proven supports

Item	Typical role for bones	Can it reverse osteoporosis?	Key notes
Chicken bone broth	May provide protein and collagen peptides; variable and usually low calcium and vitamin D	No evidence it reverses osteoporosis	Nutrient content varies; not a reliable calcium/vitamin D source
Adequate calcium intake	Essential building block for bone	Helps prevent/slow bone loss; not by itself “reversing” established osteoporosis	Aim ~1,000–1,200 mg/day depending on age/sex. [3]
Adequate vitamin D	Enables calcium absorption	Supports bone health, fracture prevention when combined with calcium	Food/fortified sources or supplements as needed. [1]
Weight‑bearing/resistance exercise	Stimulates bone and muscle	Helps maintain/increase bone strength over time	Core part of all bone‑health plans. [1]
FDA‑approved osteoporosis medications	Slow bone breakdown or build bone	Can reduce fractures and, in some cases, increase BMD	Used based on individual fracture risk and DEXA results. [2]

If you’re considering dietary changes or supplements for bone health, it’s generally best to pair them with documented calcium and vitamin D targets and speak with your clinician about your bone density results and whether medication is appropriate. ^{[1] [2]}