Nutritional Endocrinology Practitioner Training (NEPT)
Clinical Pearl

October 8th, 2017

Bone Broth – Pros and Cons

There is a big push for everyone to consume bone broth on a regular basis. A discussion about this came about on our Facebook group, so I thought it would make a good clinical pearl, and food for thought as our clients will ask about it.

It’s touted as the best (and by some the only) way to heal leaky gut. It’s also applauded for tightening skin, making you look younger and getting rid of wrinkles. The traditional use for collagen supplementation is for healing from injuries – sprains, strains, and fractures, as well as strengthening cartilage.

The downside of bone broth consumption is increased exposure to toxins, and heavy metals, in particular lead.

I suggest you research and make a decision for yourself, then work with each client as an individual and help them to decide if it’s a good option for them.

The original study on lead in Bone Broth:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23375414

Chris Kresser’s rebuttal – I don’t buy him using the FDA’s “safe range” as an argument. If you already have lead exposure and accumulation, that doesn’t cut it for me. Plus who trusts the FDA for safe ranges?

https://chriskresser.com/bone-broth-and-lead-toxicity-should-you-be-concerned/

A blogger’s argument for believing the science, not the paleo writers rebuttals

http://tamararubin.com/2017/03/bone_broth/

Mark Sissen’s opinion:

https://www.marksdailyapple.com/lead-in-bone-broth-cooked-and-cooled-potatoes-and-stress-strategies/

Dr. Michael Gregor – he is very opposed to animal products of any kind, including broth, and he cites science that supports his beliefs

https://nutritionfacts.org/video/lead-contamination-bone-broth/

When it comes down to it, there are pluses and negatives – and you have to decide for yourself, and guide your clients to do the same – and help them to see if they are super sensitive and already have heavy metal exposure, they may want to get the benefits from the nutrients.

Here’s an article that outlines the nutrients in bone broth:

https://fearlesseating.net/when-bone-broth-is-bad-for-you/

 

Plus there are “No Bone” recipes designed to provide the same or similar benefits:

Just remember, the nutrients and collagen in bone broth do not get absorbed and used whole. They are broken down to their amino acid and nutrient constituents then the body used the nutrients to build collagen. So the original source doesn’t really matter – if all the nutrients needed to make collagen are present.

My typical approach for myself is “When in doubt, leave it out” and I opt for plant versions of my nutrients.

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