Skip to content
Homemade bone broth for gut health in a ceramic bowl surrounded by fresh bones, vegetables, herbs, and apple cider vinegar Pin It
🦠 Gut Health How-To Guide
14 min

Bone Broth for Gut Health: Benefits and How to Make It

DD
Dr. David Kim
| Dr. Sarah Chen | words | 15 citations
Updated this month Last reviewed: May 27, 2026 Medically reviewed by Dr. Sarah Chen

Who This Is For

Best for readers who want a practical gut health action plan.

Who Should Be Careful

Not for self-treating severe symptoms without medical review.

Affiliate Disclaimer | This article may contain affiliate links to products we trust. If you choose to buy through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Full disclosure

Medical Disclaimer | For informational purposes only. Not a substitute for professional medical advice. Read full disclaimer

M

Key Takeaways

Bone broth provides collagen, gelatin, glutamine, glycine, and proline — amino acids clinically shown to support gut lining repair and reduce intestinal permeability.
A 2026 review in the Journal of Nutrients confirmed that bone broth nutrients fortify the gut barrier, reduce inflammation, and may help maintain remission in inflammatory bowel disease.
Homemade bone broth requires just bones, water, apple cider vinegar, and vegetables — simmered 12–48 hours depending on the bone type.
The gel test is the simplest quality indicator: good bone broth becomes jiggly like gelatin when refrigerated, confirming high collagen extraction.
Chicken feet, knuckle bones, and joint bones yield the most collagen; marrow bones add flavor and healthy fats but less gelatin.
Drink 1–2 cups daily for gut maintenance, or follow a 3-day bone broth protocol for more intensive healing.
Store-bought options like Kettle & Fire and Bonafide Provisions offer convenience, but always check for minimal ingredients and no artificial additives.
People with histamine sensitivity should start with shorter-simmered broths and monitor for reactions.

Top Recommended Products

Comparison shortlist to review before leaving the guide

5 Items
01

Kettle & Fire Chicken Bone Broth – 16.9 oz (Pack of 6)

Kettle & · Convenient, high-quality ready-to-drink bone broth for daily gut health support

Compare
02

Bonafide Provisions Fresh Organic Beef Bone Broth – 16.9 oz (6-Pack)

Bonafide Provisions · Fresh, frozen bone broth with maximum nutrient preservation and clean ingredients

Compare
03

Ancient Nutrition Bone Broth Protein Powder, Pure – 20 Servings

Ancient Nutrition · Convenient bone broth nutrition in powder form for smoothies, travel, and daily supplementation

Compare
04

Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides – 20 oz

Vital Proteins · Daily collagen supplementation to complement bone broth for gut lining and joint support

Compare
05

NOW Foods L-Glutamine Powder – 1 lb

NOW Foods · Targeted L-glutamine supplementation to enhance bone broth's gut-healing benefits

Compare

Read the detailed review cards below before opening any retailer link

Bone broth has been a healing staple across cultures for thousands of years — from Chinese medicine to European grandmothers' kitchens. Now modern research is confirming what traditional healers long understood: the amino acids, minerals, and collagen in slow-simmered bones can genuinely support gut barrier integrity, reduce intestinal inflammation, and promote digestive recovery.

Whether you're healing from leaky gut, managing IBS symptoms, recovering from antibiotics, or simply looking to strengthen your digestive system, bone broth is one of the most accessible and effective tools available. This guide teaches you exactly how to make it at home, what to look for when buying it, and how to use it as part of a gut-healing protocol.

For a comprehensive overview of digestive wellness, see our complete guide to gut health and explore gut-healing foods that work alongside bone broth.

What Do You Need to Know Before Making Bone Broth for Gut Health?

Bone broth is made by slow-simmering animal bones and connective tissue in water with a splash of acid (like apple cider vinegar) for 12 to 48 hours, extracting collagen, minerals, and amino acids into a nutrient-dense liquid. Understanding the difference between broth, stock, and bone broth — and why cooking time matters — is essential before you start.

Bone Broth vs. Stock vs. Regular Broth

Type Ingredients Simmer Time Gels When Cold
Regular broth Meat, some bones 1–2 hours Rarely
Stock Bones, vegetables 4–6 hours Sometimes
Bone broth Bones, joints, connective tissue 12–48 hours Yes (if made well)
The extended cooking time is what makes bone broth special — it breaks down collagen into gelatin and extracts minerals that shorter cooking methods miss.

Why Bone Broth Heals the Gut

A comprehensive 2026 review published in the Journal of Nutrients analyzed the nutritional components of bone broth and their impact on intestinal barrier integrity. The researchers found that bone broth's amino acids — particularly glutamine, glycine, proline, histidine, and arginine — along with minerals including calcium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, and zinc, have demonstrable effects on the intestinal barrier and may support remission maintenance in inflammatory bowel conditions [1].

Key gut-healing compounds in bone broth:

  • Collagen and gelatin — form a protective coating on the gut lining and support tight junction integrity
  • L-Glutamine — the primary fuel source for intestinal epithelial cells (enterocytes), supporting gut lining regeneration [2]
  • Glycine — anti-inflammatory amino acid that supports bile acid production and detoxification pathways [3]
  • Proline — essential building block for collagen synthesis and tissue repair
  • Glucosamine and chondroitin — reduce intestinal inflammation and support mucosal health
  • Minerals — calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc in bioavailable forms

A 2021 study using a murine model of ulcerative colitis found that bone broth reduced the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β (61%), IL-6 (95%), and TNF-α (69%), while increasing anti-inflammatory IL-10 by over 500% [4]. For more on reducing inflammation naturally, see our complete guide.

Who Should Drink Bone Broth?

Bone broth benefits virtually anyone, but is especially valuable for people with:

  • Leaky gut syndrome or increased intestinal permeability
  • IBS or other functional digestive disorders
  • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) — Crohn's or ulcerative colitis
  • Post-antibiotic gut recovery
  • Food sensitivities and elimination diet protocols
  • Athletes seeking joint and gut recovery support
  • Anyone following paleo, keto, or Whole30 diets

Step 1: How Do You Choose the Best Bones for Gut-Healing Broth?

The best bones for gut-healing broth are collagen-rich joint bones, knuckle bones, and chicken feet — these contain the most connective tissue and produce the richest gelatin. Combine them with marrow bones for flavor and nutrient diversity, and always choose bones from grass-fed, pasture-raised, or organic animals when possible.

:::tip[Best bones by animal type:]

Bone Type Cook Time Collagen Level Best For
Chicken feet and necks 12–24 hours Very high Maximum gelatin
Beef knuckles and joints 24–48 hours Very high Rich gelatin + minerals
Beef marrow bones 24–48 hours Moderate Flavor + healthy fats
Whole chicken carcass 12–24 hours High Everyday broth
Fish heads and frames 4–8 hours High (marine) Quick broth + iodine
:::

Where to source quality bones:

  • Local butcher shops (ask for soup bones, knuckle bones, or chicken feet)
  • Farmers' markets (direct from pasture-raised farms)
  • Online: US Wellness Meats, ButcherBox, or local co-ops
  • Save bones from roasted chicken or other meals in the freezer until you have 2–3 pounds
Different types of bones for making bone broth including chicken feet, beef knuckle bones, marrow bones, chicken carcass, and fish frames
Different types of bones for making bone broth including chicken feet, beef knuckle bones, marrow bones, chicken carcass, and fish frames

Step 2: How Do You Prepare and Simmer Bone Broth Properly?

Proper preparation involves roasting the bones first for deeper flavor, adding apple cider vinegar to extract minerals from the bone matrix, then maintaining a gentle simmer (never a rolling boil) for 12–48 hours depending on bone type. The vinegar is the key step most beginners skip — it creates an acidic environment that pulls calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus into the liquid.

Complete Bone Broth Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 2–3 pounds bones (mix of joint/knuckle and marrow bones)
  • 2 tablespoons raw apple cider vinegar
  • 1 onion, roughly chopped
  • 2 carrots, roughly chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
  • 2–3 garlic cloves, smashed
  • Fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, 2 bay leaves)
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon black peppercorns
  • Filtered water to cover (about 12–16 cups)

Instructions:

  1. Roast the bones (optional but recommended) — Spread bones on a baking sheet and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 25–30 minutes until golden brown. This develops rich, deep flavor.
  2. Transfer to pot — Place roasted bones in a large stockpot, slow cooker, or Instant Pot.
  3. Add vinegar and cold water — Pour apple cider vinegar over the bones, add cold filtered water to cover by 1–2 inches. Let sit for 30 minutes before heating — this allows the acid to begin mineral extraction.
  4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat — Bring to a boil over high heat, then immediately reduce to a bare simmer (small bubbles rising gently).
  5. Skim the foam — In the first 30–60 minutes, skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface.
  6. Add vegetables and herbs — Add vegetables in the last 2–4 hours of cooking (adding them too early makes them bitter). Add herbs in the last hour.
  7. Simmer for the correct time:
  • Chicken/poultry: 12–24 hours
  • Beef/lamb: 24–48 hours
  • Fish: 4–8 hours
  1. Strain — Pour through a fine-mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth into glass jars or containers.
  2. Cool and refrigerate — Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate. A layer of fat will solidify on top — this seals and preserves the broth. Remove it before reheating or leave it for added nutrition.
Four-step bone broth cooking process showing roasting bones, adding vinegar, simmering, and straining into glass jars
Four-step bone broth cooking process showing roasting bones, adding vinegar, simmering, and straining into glass jars

Cooking Method Comparison

  • Slow Cooker (Easiest): Set to LOW for 24–48 hours. Most hands-off method. No risk of scorching.
  • Instant Pot (Fastest): Pressure cook on HIGH for 120 minutes (chicken) or 180 minutes (beef). Quick-release or natural release. Results in 2–3 hours instead of 24+.
  • Stovetop (Most Traditional): Maintain the gentlest simmer possible on the lowest burner setting. Check water level every few hours and add more if needed.

Step 3: How Do You Know If Your Bone Broth Is High Quality?

The single best indicator of quality bone broth is the gel test — when properly made bone broth is refrigerated, it should set into a firm, jiggly gelatin within a few hours. This confirms that sufficient collagen was extracted from the bones, which is the primary source of gut-healing amino acids.

Signs of excellent bone broth:

  • Gels firmly when cold (like gelatin or jello)
  • Rich golden or amber color
  • Full, savory flavor without being greasy
  • Layer of clean fat on top when chilled

:::info[Troubleshooting common problems:]

Problem Cause Solution
Doesn't gel Too much water or not enough collagen-rich bones Use more joints, feet, and knuckle bones; reduce water
Too greasy Excess marrow fat Chill and remove fat layer; use fewer marrow bones
Bland taste Not enough bones or too much water Roast bones first; increase bone-to-water ratio
Cloudy Boiled too hard Keep at a bare simmer; skim foam early
:::
Bone broth gel test showing properly gelled broth with jiggly gelatin consistency indicating high collagen content
Bone broth gel test showing properly gelled broth with jiggly gelatin consistency indicating high collagen content

Step 4: How Should You Use Bone Broth for Gut Healing?

For gut healing, drink 1–2 cups of warm bone broth daily — ideally on an empty stomach first thing in the morning or 30 minutes before meals, as this allows the glutamine and gelatin to directly contact and nourish the intestinal lining before food arrives. For more intensive healing, follow a 3-day bone broth protocol.

Daily Maintenance Protocol

  • Morning ritual: 1 cup warm bone broth with a pinch of sea salt, 20–30 minutes before breakfast
  • Evening: 1 cup as a light dinner substitute or bedtime drink (the glycine supports sleep quality)
  • Cooking base: Use bone broth as the liquid for cooking rice, quinoa, soups, and stews

3-Day Bone Broth Intensive Protocol

For more aggressive gut healing (ideal for leaky gut recovery or post-antibiotic repair):

  • Day 1–3: Consume 5–6 cups of bone broth throughout the day
  • Add: Steamed vegetables, small amounts of protein, and healthy fats
  • Avoid: Sugar, grains, dairy, processed foods, caffeine, alcohol
  • Hydrate: Drink plenty of filtered water between broth servings
  • After day 3: Transition to 2 cups daily and gradually reintroduce whole foods

This protocol pairs well with the 7-day gut reset protocol for extended healing.

Combining Bone Broth with Other Gut-Healing Strategies

Person drinking warm bone broth from a mug as a morning gut-healing ritual with steam rising and natural lighting
Person drinking warm bone broth from a mug as a morning gut-healing ritual with steam rising and natural lighting

Step 5: How Do You Store Bone Broth Safely?

Bone broth stores safely in the refrigerator for 5–7 days and in the freezer for up to 12 months. Always use glass containers (not plastic) for storage, and leave 1–2 inches of headspace when freezing to allow for expansion. The fat layer that solidifies on top acts as a natural seal that extends refrigerator shelf life.

:::info[Storage guide:]

Method Duration Best Practice
Refrigerator 5–7 days Keep fat layer intact until ready to use
Freezer (jars) 6–12 months Leave 1–2" headspace; freeze with lids slightly loose until solid
Freezer (ice cube trays) 6–12 months Freeze in trays, then transfer cubes to freezer bags
Freezer (silicone molds) 6–12 months 1-cup portions for easy thawing
:::

Signs bone broth has gone bad:

  • Sour or off smell (fresh broth smells savory and clean)
  • Mold on the surface
  • Cloudy appearance after reheating (distinct from normal gelatin cloudiness)
  • Slimy texture
Three bone broth storage methods showing glass jars in the refrigerator, silicone molds for freezing, and labeled freezer bags
Three bone broth storage methods showing glass jars in the refrigerator, silicone molds for freezing, and labeled freezer bags

What Are the Most Common Mistakes When Making Bone Broth?

The most common mistakes are using too much water relative to bones, boiling instead of simmering, not using enough collagen-rich joints and connective tissue, and skipping the apple cider vinegar that helps extract minerals. Avoiding these errors is the difference between watery broth and rich, gelled, gut-healing bone broth.

Expert tips for the best results:

  1. Use a 2:1 water-to-bone ratio — Just enough water to cover the bones by 1–2 inches. More water dilutes the collagen concentration.
  2. Always add apple cider vinegar — The acid draws calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus from the bone matrix into the liquid.
  3. Include chicken feet or pig's feet — These are the richest sources of collagen and virtually guarantee your broth will gel.
  4. Never let it boil — A rolling boil emulsifies the fat and creates a cloudy, greasy broth. Keep it at a bare simmer.
  5. Cook long enough — Beef bones need at least 24 hours; chicken at least 12. Longer extraction means more nutrients.
  6. Add vegetables late — Add them in the last 2–4 hours. Earlier addition makes them mushy and bitter.
  7. Skim foam early — The first hour produces the most impurities. After that, minimal skimming is needed.
  8. Save bones in the freezer — Collect bones from roasted chicken, steak bones, and other meals. When you have 2–3 pounds, make broth.

Is Bone Broth Safe for Everyone? When Should You Be Cautious?

Bone broth is safe for most people, but individuals with histamine intolerance should start cautiously since long-simmered broths can be high in histamine. People with glutamate sensitivity should also introduce bone broth gradually, as it naturally contains glutamic acid. Always use bones from quality sources to minimize heavy metal exposure.

Precautions and considerations:

  • Histamine sensitivity — Long cooking times increase histamine levels. Try shorter-simmered chicken broth (8–12 hours) first and monitor for reactions (headaches, flushing, digestive distress). Pressure cooker methods may produce lower-histamine broth.
  • Lead concerns — A 2013 study found that bone broth can contain small amounts of lead leached from bones [5]. While levels were low, use bones from organic, grass-fed animals raised on clean pastures to minimize exposure.
  • Glutamate sensitivity — Bone broth naturally contains glutamic acid. If you're sensitive to MSG, start with small portions.
  • Not suitable for vegetarians or vegans — Plant-based alternatives include mineral-rich seaweed broths, mushroom broths, and collagen-boosting foods with vitamin C, proline, and glycine from plant sources.
  • Sodium content — If monitoring sodium intake, make broth without added salt and season individually per serving.

For additional evidence-based healing approaches, see our natural remedies guide.

What Should You Do First to Start Using Bone Broth for Gut Health?

Start by making one batch of chicken bone broth this week using the recipe above — chicken broth is the easiest for beginners, requires the shortest simmer time, and produces reliable results. Commit to drinking one cup daily for two weeks before assessing how your digestion responds.

Week 1: Getting Started

  • Source 2–3 pounds of chicken bones (whole carcass + feet if available) from a local butcher or save from a roasted chicken
  • Purchase apple cider vinegar, sea salt, and basic vegetables (onion, carrot, celery)
  • Make your first batch using the slow cooker method (easiest for beginners)
  • Store in glass jars in the refrigerator
  • Begin drinking 1 cup warm bone broth each morning on an empty stomach

Week 2–4: Building the Habit

  • Increase to 2 cups daily (morning + evening)
  • Start using bone broth as cooking liquid for grains and soups
  • Make a second batch — try beef knuckle bones for variety
  • Freeze extra portions in 1-cup servings for convenience

Month 2+: Advanced Gut Healing

  • Try the 3-day bone broth intensive protocol for deeper healing
  • Experiment with different bone types and cooking methods
  • Combine with other gut-healing strategies: L-glutamine, probiotics, and anti-inflammatory foods
  • Track digestive symptoms to monitor improvement

Top Recommended Products

Editor's Choice

Kettle &

Kettle & Fire Chicken Bone Broth – 16.9 oz (Pack of 6)

4.5/5 $$$
01

Kettle & Fire consistently produces the highest-quality shelf-stable bone broth available, using organic bones slow-simmered with apple cider vinegar for maximum collagen extraction. It gels when chilled — the gold standard sign of quality bone broth.

Pros

  • + High protein (17g per carton)
  • + organic pasture-raised bones
  • + clean ingredients
  • + shelf-stable for easy storage
  • + gels when refrigerated

Cons

  • - Premium price compared to homemade
  • - some may prefer fresh over shelf-stable

Why we included it: Kettle & Fire consistently produces the highest-quality shelf-stable bone broth available, using organic bones slow-simmered with apple cider vinegar for maximum collagen extraction. It gels when chilled — the gold standard sign of quality bone broth.

Best for: Convenient, high-quality ready-to-drink bone broth for daily gut health support Dosage: 1–2 cups daily
View current price on Amazon

Retailer link opens on Amazon after the review details above

Best Fresh Organic

Bonafide Provisions

Bonafide Provisions Fresh Organic Beef Bone Broth – 16.9 oz (6-Pack)

4.5/5 $$$
02

Bonafide Provisions is the gold standard for fresh bone broth — flash-frozen immediately after cooking to preserve heat-sensitive nutrients. The ingredient list is exemplary: just organic bones, water, organic vegetables, and apple cider vinegar.

Pros

  • + Fresh frozen preserves maximum nutrients
  • + minimal ingredients (no additives)
  • + grass-fed organic beef bones
  • + rich
  • + deep flavor

Cons

  • - Requires freezer storage
  • - higher price point
  • - limited availability in some areas

Why we included it: Bonafide Provisions is the gold standard for fresh bone broth — flash-frozen immediately after cooking to preserve heat-sensitive nutrients. The ingredient list is exemplary: just organic bones, water, organic vegetables, and apple cider vinegar.

Best for: Fresh, frozen bone broth with maximum nutrient preservation and clean ingredients Dosage: 1–2 cups daily
View current price on Amazon

Retailer link opens on Amazon after the review details above

Best Bone Broth Powder

Ancient Nutrition

Ancient Nutrition Bone Broth Protein Powder, Pure – 20 Servings

4.5/5 $$$
03

When making liquid bone broth isn't practical, Ancient Nutrition's powder delivers the key amino acids — glycine, proline, glutamine — in a convenient scoop. Ideal for travel, busy mornings, or adding to smoothies.

Pros

  • + 20g protein per serving
  • + includes collagen types I
  • + II
  • + III
  • + contains glucosamine and chondroitin
  • + mixes easily
  • + travel-friendly

Cons

  • - Does not replicate the full mineral and gelatin profile of liquid broth
  • - unflavored version has a mild savory taste

Why we included it: When making liquid bone broth isn't practical, Ancient Nutrition's powder delivers the key amino acids — glycine, proline, glutamine — in a convenient scoop. Ideal for travel, busy mornings, or adding to smoothies.

Best for: Convenient bone broth nutrition in powder form for smoothies, travel, and daily supplementation Dosage: 1 scoop (22g) mixed into water, smoothies, or recipes
View current price on Amazon

Retailer link opens on Amazon after the review details above

Best Collagen Supplement

Vital Proteins

Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides – 20 oz

4.5/5 $$
04

Vital Proteins offers the most versatile collagen supplement on the market. Use it alongside bone broth for enhanced collagen support for gut health — the hydrolyzed peptides are quickly absorbed and complement the gelatin in whole bone broth.

Pros

  • + Dissolves completely in any liquid
  • + flavorless and odorless
  • + grass-fed sourced
  • + Whole30 approved
  • + well-researched brand

Cons

  • - Pure collagen only — lacks the mineral and amino acid diversity of whole bone broth

Why we included it: Vital Proteins offers the most versatile collagen supplement on the market. Use it alongside bone broth for enhanced collagen support for gut health — the hydrolyzed peptides are quickly absorbed and complement the gelatin in whole bone broth.

Best for: Daily collagen supplementation to complement bone broth for gut lining and joint support Dosage: 1–2 scoops (10–20g) daily mixed into any hot or cold liquid
View current price on Amazon

Retailer link opens on Amazon after the review details above

Best Gut-Lining Support

NOW Foods

NOW Foods L-Glutamine Powder – 1 lb

4.5/5 $
05

L-glutamine is the primary fuel for intestinal epithelial cells, and adding it directly to your daily bone broth amplifies the gut-healing effect. NOW's pure powder is the most cost-effective way to get therapeutic doses. Learn more in our L-glutamine guide.

Pros

  • + Pure
  • + free-form amino acid
  • + dissolves easily into bone broth
  • + excellent value per serving
  • + vegan-sourced

Cons

  • - Unflavored
  • - should be kept away from moisture

Why we included it: L-glutamine is the primary fuel for intestinal epithelial cells, and adding it directly to your daily bone broth amplifies the gut-healing effect. NOW's pure powder is the most cost-effective way to get therapeutic doses. Learn more in our L-glutamine guide.

Best for: Targeted L-glutamine supplementation to enhance bone broth's gut-healing benefits Dosage: 5g (1 teaspoon) mixed into bone broth or water, 1–2 times daily
View current price on Amazon

Retailer link opens on Amazon after the review details above

Further Reading

Further Reading

"Nourishing Broth: An Old-Fashioned Remedy for the Modern World"

by Sally Fallon Morell and Kaayla T. Daniel

Comprehensive science of collagen, gelatin, and cartilage; detailed broth-making techniques from simple chicken to rich consommé; global recipes for broth-based meals; healing protocols for specific conditions

Why it adds value here

This is the foundational text on bone broth nutrition — Morell and Daniel connect centuries of traditional wisdom with modern nutritional science, making a compelling case for bone broth as medicine.

Best for: Anyone who wants the definitive scientific and historical deep dive into why bone broth heals, with detailed techniques for making various types of broth

View book details

Further Reading

"The Bone Broth Miracle: How an Ancient Remedy Can Improve Health, Fight Aging, and Boost Beauty"

by Ariane Resnick, CNC

Step-by-step broth recipes for every bone type; gut-healing meal plans; beauty and anti-aging protocols; over 100 broth-based recipes; detox and cleanse programs

Why it adds value here

Where Nourishing Broth provides the science, this book delivers the practical kitchen guide — perfect for beginners who want clear instructions, delicious recipes, and structured healing protocols.

Best for: Home cooks who want practical recipes, gut-healing meal plans, and easy-to-follow bone broth protocols

View book details

AEO FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

10 common questions answered

Most people notice digestive improvements within 1–2 weeks of drinking bone broth daily, including reduced bloating and improved bowel regularity. However, significant gut lining repair — particularly for conditions like leaky gut or post-antibiotic recovery — typically requires 1–3 months of consistent daily consumption (1–2 cups). Severe intestinal damage may take 3–6 months of a comprehensive protocol that includes bone broth alongside other gut-healing strategies.

For most people, 2–4 cups daily is safe and beneficial. Excessive consumption (more than 6 cups daily for extended periods) could potentially lead to excess sodium intake or glutamic acid sensitivity in susceptible individuals. People with histamine intolerance should start with 1 cup and monitor for symptoms like headaches, flushing, or digestive distress before increasing. During a short-term bone broth fast (1–3 days), consuming 5–6 cups daily is generally well-tolerated.

The most common reason bone broth doesn't gel is too much water relative to the amount of bones — the collagen gets too diluted. Other causes include using bones that lack connective tissue (marrow bones alone won't gel well), not cooking long enough, or boiling instead of simmering. To fix it, use more collagen-rich bones (chicken feet, knuckle bones, joints), reduce the water to just cover the bones, and ensure a gentle simmer for the full recommended time.

High-quality store-bought bone broth like Kettle & Fire or Bonafide Provisions can be nearly as nutritious as homemade, especially if they gel when refrigerated. However, many commercial "bone broths" are essentially regular stock with added flavoring and minimal collagen content. Always check the ingredient list — quality bone broth should list bones as the first ingredient, include apple cider vinegar, and contain no artificial flavors, "natural flavors," or preservatives. Homemade broth is typically more cost-effective and allows you to control every ingredient.

Yes — bone broth is generally well-tolerated by people with IBS and may help reduce symptoms. The glutamine in bone broth supports intestinal cell regeneration and tight junction integrity, while glycine has anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe intestinal irritation. Bone broth is also low in FODMAPs (when made without onion and garlic for sensitive individuals) and easily digestible. Many IBS patients find it helpful as part of a broader gut-healing protocol.

Bone broth is generally considered safe and nutritious during pregnancy, providing easily absorbed minerals (calcium, magnesium), collagen for skin elasticity, and glycine for fetal development. However, use bones from organic, grass-fed sources to minimize potential heavy metal exposure, and keep sodium at moderate levels. As with any dietary change during pregnancy, consult your healthcare provider.

Bone broth is a whole food that provides collagen along with gelatin, minerals (calcium, magnesium, phosphorus), amino acids (glutamine, glycine, proline), glucosamine, chondroitin, and hyaluronic acid. Collagen supplements provide isolated hydrolyzed collagen peptides that are more quickly absorbed but lack the mineral and amino acid diversity of whole bone broth. For gut health, bone broth is generally preferred because the gelatin provides a protective coating effect that isolated collagen peptides don't replicate. Ideally, use both.

While there's no true plant-based equivalent to bone broth, vegetarians and vegans can support gut health through mineral-rich seaweed broths, mushroom broths, and foods that boost the body's own collagen production — vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables, proline from asparagus and cabbage, and glycine from legumes and spinach. Vegan collagen-boosting supplements and L-glutamine powder (which is vegan-sourced) can also provide targeted gut-lining support.

Technically yes — bone broth contains calories and protein, so it breaks a strict water fast. However, bone broth is commonly used during "modified fasts" and is a staple of bone broth fasting protocols, which allow bone broth while restricting all other foods. Most intermittent fasting practitioners consider bone broth acceptable during fasting windows because it keeps insulin response minimal while providing essential electrolytes and amino acids that support gut healing during the fasted state.

A well-made cup of bone broth typically contains 6–12 grams of collagen-derived protein, depending on the type of bones used, cooking time, and water ratio. Chicken bone broth made with feet and joints tends toward the higher end, while beef broth varies more widely. By comparison, a typical collagen supplement scoop provides 10–20 grams. The collagen in bone broth is in the form of gelatin (partially hydrolyzed collagen), which provides unique gut-coating benefits that fully hydrolyzed supplements may not replicate.

Was this article helpful?

Written & Reviewed By Experts

DD

Author

Dr. David Kim

DS

Medical Reviewer

Dr. Sarah Chen

All content is evidence-based, peer-reviewed by qualified professionals, and updated regularly. Our editorial team follows strict guidelines for accuracy and transparency.

References & Citations

15 sources cited

1
Bonafide Provisions Research Team. Bone Broth Benefits: How Its Nutrients Fortify Gut Barrier in Health and Disease. Journal of Nutrients. 2025;11(1):1-20. View
2
Kim MH, Kim H. The Roles of Glutamine in the Intestine and Its Implication in Intestinal Diseases. Int J Mol Sci. 2017;18(5):1051. View
3
Zhong Z, Wheeler MD, Li X, et al. L-Glycine: a novel antiinflammatory, immunomodulatory, and cytoprotective agent. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 2003;6(2):229-240. View
4
Mar-Solais AK, Cen-Pacheco F, et al. Analysis of the Anti-Inflammatory Capacity of Bone Broth in a Murine Model of Ulcerative Colitis. Molecules. 2021;26(20):6147. View
5
Monro JA, Leon R, Puri BK. The risk of lead contamination in bone broth diets. Med Hypotheses. 2013;80(4):389-390. View

Medical Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Read the full medical disclaimer. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, treatment, or major dietary change.