27/01/2025
“Eggshells are rich in calcium carbonate, about 800 milligrams! And the slippery membrane that lines the inside of the shell is loaded with collagen, elastin, protein, hyaluronic acid, glucosamine, and chondroitin, which provide fantastic joint support. Supplementing with eggshell membranes has even been shown to reduce joint pain by 72.5 percent.” - The Forever Dog LIFE
Eggshell membrane, a natural byproduct of the egg industry, has gained significant attention as a valuable source of bioactive compounds with therapeutic potential. The key proteins in ESM (Eggshell membrane) play a fundamental role in cartilage health (1). While collagens provide tensile strength to the extracellular matrix (ECM) of cartilage, glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) such as chondroitin sulfate and hyaluronic acid (HA) help maintain hydration and elasticity (2).
Furthermore, collagen types I, V, and X, elastin, and various growth factors included in ESM are critical for supporting cartilage repair (3). These properties make ESM an attractive candidate for promoting cartilage repair, especially in degenerative conditions like osteoarthritis (4). Similar to humans, dogs experience osteoarthritis, where chronic inflammation triggers oxidative stress, causing chondrocyte death, cartilage breakdown, and degradation of the ECM, ultimately leading to joint degeneration (5). Eggshell membrane has been shown to decrease pro-inflammatory cytokines and improve joint health in animal models and human studies, making it a popular ingredient in dietary supplements (6).
