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A Marie Claire report drawing on a registered dietitian, dermatologist and OB-GYN finds that bone broth can provide protein and amino acids, but strong evidence that drinking it improves skin or bone health is lacking. Nutrient levels vary by product, and regular drinkers should check sodium labels.
A Marie Claire report on bone broth and skin health finds that, while the broth can supply protein and amino acids, experts interviewed say there is not strong clinical evidence that drinking it directly makes skin more hydrated or firm. The findings put limits on a popular wellness claim: bone broth’s nutrient content varies, and evidence from studies of specific collagen supplements cannot automatically be applied to a cup of broth.
Registered dietitian Valerie Agyeman told the publication that a cup of bone broth may contain around five to 10 grams of protein, depending on the product and preparation. It may also provide amino acids such as glycine and proline, which the body uses to build and maintain muscle. Agyeman said broth is better treated as an addition to meals than as a main protein source, since it generally contains less protein than a typical serving of chicken, fish or Greek yogurt.
The report says collagen content varies and may not be listed separately on product labels. Mineral levels, including calcium, also vary; the fact that broth is made from bones does not make it a dependable calcium source. Agyeman said the broader claims that bone broth improves gut health, reduces inflammation or makes skin look younger have not been well established in research on bone broth itself.
Dermatologist Morgana Colombo said studies of hydrolyzed collagen supplements have reported modest skin-hydration and elasticity improvements, but the evidence remains mixed. Those studies do not establish that bone broth has the same effects: supplements use standardized collagen doses, while broth’s content depends on how it is made. OB-GYN Jennifer Choe likewise said findings on collagen peptides taken with calcium and vitamin D do not show that broth alone prevents osteoporosis or strengthens bones.
What Skin Claims Can Support
The distinction matters for readers deciding whether to spend money on bone broth as a beauty or health product. The report supports viewing it as a food that can contribute some protein, not as a proven treatment for wrinkles, skin hydration or bone loss. Its nutritional contribution depends on the specific product and serving, so a general claim about “bone broth” may not describe what is in an individual carton or cup.
People seeking calcium for bone health may need more reliable dietary sources. Agyeman points to dairy products and calcium-fortified alternatives, while emphasizing that overall intake of calcium, vitamin D and protein matters more than relying on broth. Regular consumers should also pay attention to sodium, particularly if they are monitoring blood pressure, and compare labels across brands.
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Broth Versus Collagen Studies
Bone broth is made by simmering animal bones and connective tissue in water, sometimes with meat, vegetables and seasonings. Agyeman said preparation typically takes eight to 24 hours or longer to draw out gelatin and other compounds. Store-bought products are widely available, but their ingredients and nutrient levels are not uniform.
The report separates evidence about broth from research on hydrolyzed collagen supplements. Some studies of those supplements have reported modest changes in skin hydration and elasticity, but Colombo cautioned that more collagen consumption does not automatically mean the body will produce more collagen. She said collagen synthesis is affected by factors including age, genetics, hormones, UV exposure and nutritional status. Choe also noted that research involving collagen peptides alongside calcium and vitamin D in postmenopausal women is not evidence for broth as a stand-alone bone-health intervention.
“It can help you get some protein, but it usually doesn’t provide as much as a typical serving of chicken, fish, or Greek yogurt.”
— Valerie Agyeman, registered dietitian, as quoted in Marie Claire
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Evidence and Product Differences
The report does not establish that bone broth has no possible effect on skin or other aspects of health; it says strong clinical evidence for direct benefits is lacking. It also does not provide a single nutrient profile that applies to all broth products. Protein, collagen and mineral amounts vary by brand and preparation, and collagen may not be separately identified on a label.
The supplied report excerpt ends while discussing possible downsides, so it does not provide the full details of the concerns attributed to Choe beyond the sodium warning from Agyeman and the evidence limits described above. No product-specific comparison, recommended daily serving or definitive long-term outcome is given.
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Check Labels Before Buying
For consumers choosing packaged broth, the practical next step is to compare nutrition labels for protein and sodium rather than assuming all products offer the same benefits. Anyone relying on broth for a particular health need should consider the full diet and seek advice from a qualified health professional, rather than treating it as a substitute for established sources of nutrients or medical care.
The report offers no upcoming clinical milestone or new study announcement. The central open issue remains whether future research on bone broth itself can demonstrate skin or bone benefits, separate from findings on standardized collagen supplements. Until then, the experts’ comments support a measured view: broth can be a food choice, but its beauty and bone-health promises are not established by the evidence cited.
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Key Questions
Does bone broth make skin glow?
The report’s dermatologist says there is not strong clinical evidence that drinking bone broth directly improves skin hydration, elasticity, firmness or wrinkles.
How much protein is in a cup of bone broth?
Agyeman said a cup may contain around five to 10 grams, though the amount varies by product and preparation. Check the label for the specific broth.
Is bone broth a good source of calcium?
Not necessarily. The report says relatively little calcium may make it into the finished broth, and mineral levels vary. Dairy and calcium-fortified alternatives are more reliable sources, according to Agyeman.
Are collagen supplements and bone broth interchangeable?
No. Colombo said supplement studies use specific, standardized doses, while collagen content in broth varies. Results from supplement research cannot be assumed to apply to broth.
What should I check if I drink bone broth regularly?
Compare products for sodium and protein. Agyeman particularly advises watching sodium if you are monitoring blood pressure.
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