Limited evidenceJoints & skin

Eggshell Membrane

Pooled trials show eggshell membrane produces small but statistically significant improvements in knee osteoarthritis pain and function at 500 mg/day. Almost all of that data comes from a handful of small, sponsor-linked trials, which is why the rating stays limited.

What the science says

Knee osteoarthritis pain and function Limited evidence
A 2024 systematic review pooled five RCTs and found improvements in total WOMAC (effect size -0.34, 95% CI -0.56 to -0.13) and the pain subscale (SMD -0.23, 95% CI -0.42 to -0.04). These are small effects, and the included trials were short and mostly funded by ingredient suppliers.
Speed of onset Limited evidence
The 2009 multicentre trial (n = 67) at 500 mg/day reported significant reductions in pain and stiffness as early as day 10 and again at day 30 — faster than glucosamine-type products. The trial was small and industry-sponsored, and the absolute differences were modest.
Exercise-induced joint discomfort and cartilage turnover Limited evidence
A trial in healthy postmenopausal women (500 mg/day for 8 weeks, about 60 participants) reported less exercise-induced pain and stiffness plus a fall in the cartilage degradation marker CTX-II. The biomarker change has no proven clinical meaning.

Dosage & safety

Studied dose500 mg/day of natural eggshell membrane, taken as a single dose with or without food. Trials ran 4-12 weeks; early responders are usually apparent within 10-30 days.

SafetyVery well tolerated — adverse event rates match placebo in trials, with occasional mild gastrointestinal complaints. It is an egg-derived product and can contain residual egg protein, so it should be avoided by anyone with egg allergy. No known drug interactions and no regulatory restrictions. Long-term safety beyond a few months has not been formally studied, though no mechanism for harm is apparent.

Scientific references

Efficacy of Eggshell Membrane in Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
García-Muñoz AM, Abellán-Ruiz MS, García-Guillén AI, Victoria-Montesinos D — Nutrients, 2024
Eggshell membrane in the treatment of pain and stiffness from osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomized, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study
Ruff KJ, DeVore DP, Leu MD, Robinson MA — Clinical Rheumatology, 2009

Where to buy

Vitacost, Synergy®, Eggshell Membrane, 30 Capsules

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