Eggshell Membrane
Also known as: Eggshell membrane (ESM), Hydrolysed eggshell membrane, Water‑soluble eggshell membrane (WSEM)
Multiple randomised controlled trials and two meta-analyses provided in the abstracts report that oral eggshell membrane can reduce knee pain and improve function in people with knee osteoarthritis, and one RCT found improvements in skin and hair appearance in healthy adults. Safety signals were not identified in the reported trials.
Last reviewed: 2026-10-14 · 5 indexed studies
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Overview
Eggshell membrane (ESM) is a natural product sold as an oral supplement, most commonly in a hydrolysed or water‑soluble form at around 450 mg/day. Randomised trials and meta-analyses in people with knee osteoarthritis report modest improvements in pain, stiffness and function; separate trials report improvements in facial skin appearance and hair measures in healthy middle‑aged adults.
Mechanism & Function
Mechanism of Action
Mechanistic explanations are not established in the provided abstracts; the trials report clinical outcomes but do not describe mechanisms.
Physiological Role
Not established in the provided abstracts.
Primary Pathways
Performance / Health Relevance
Clinical trials focus on symptomatic relief for knee osteoarthritis (pain, stiffness, function) and on cosmetic outcomes for skin and hair rather than athletic performance.
Evidence Review
Practical Use & Dosage
- Minimum Effective Dose
- 450 mg/day (studies reported benefits at this dose)
- Optimal Range
- 450 mg/day; one RCT reported a dose‑dependent response with greater effects at a higher dose (exact higher dose not specified in the abstract)
- Upper / Caution Level
- Not established in the provided abstracts
- Timing
- Oral, daily
- Best Format
- Hydrolysed or water‑soluble eggshell membrane formulations as used in trials
- Bioavailability
- Not established in the provided abstracts
- Absorption Considerations
- Not established in the provided abstracts
Safety & Interactions
Side Effects
- •No specific adverse events identified in the provided abstracts
Contraindications
- Known allergy to eggs (eggshell membrane is derived from egg)
Drug Interactions
- •Not reported in the provided abstracts
Who Should Avoid
- •People with egg allergy
Monitoring
Monitor symptom response and any adverse reactions; clinical trials reported safety but long‑term safety beyond study durations is not described in the provided abstracts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Auto-generated from indexed evidence — dosage, safety, interactions, and more.
When is Eggshell Membrane typically used or indicated?
Eggshell Membrane is most commonly used for: Support for knee osteoarthritis symptoms (pain, stiffness, function), Improving skin and hair appearance, General joint comfort. Not established in the provided abstracts.
How does Eggshell Membrane work?
Mechanistic explanations are not established in the provided abstracts; the trials report clinical outcomes but do not describe mechanisms.
What is the recommended dose of Eggshell Membrane?
The optimal range is 450 mg/day; one RCT reported a dose‑dependent response with greater effects at a higher dose (exact higher dose not specified in the abstract). with a minimum effective dose of 450 mg/day (studies reported benefits at this dose). Best taken: Oral, daily. Upper / caution level: Not established in the provided abstracts.
What are the side effects of Eggshell Membrane?
Reported side effects include: No specific adverse events identified in the provided abstracts. Monitoring: Monitor symptom response and any adverse reactions; clinical trials reported safety but long‑term safety beyond study durations is not described in the provided abstracts.
Does Eggshell Membrane interact with medications?
Known or theoretical interactions: Not reported in the provided abstracts. Always check with a clinician before combining with prescription medication.
Who should avoid Eggshell Membrane?
Eggshell Membrane is generally not recommended for: People with egg allergy; and Known allergy to eggs (eggshell membrane is derived from egg).
How strong is the evidence for Eggshell Membrane?
Evidence level: Moderate (overall score 64/100), based on 5 indexed studies on SuppIndex.
Research & References (5)
Comparative Effectiveness of Nutritional Supplements in the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis: A Network Meta-Analysis.
Systematic review and network meta-analysis comparing several nutritional supplements for knee osteoarthritis, including eggshell membrane, across 39 RCTs (42 studies).
Efficacy of Eggshell Membrane in Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Systematic review and meta-analysis specifically of eggshell membrane trials in knee osteoarthritis (seven RCTs, five in meta-analysis).
Randomised Clinical Trial to Analyse the Efficacy of Eggshell Membrane to Improve Joint Functionality in Knee Osteoarthritis.
Randomised clinical trial comparing two doses of eggshell membrane versus placebo for knee osteoarthritis, assessing pain (VAS), functional ability, quadriceps strength and sleep.
A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Prospective Clinical Trial Evaluating Water-Soluble Chicken Eggshell Membrane for Improvement in Joint Health in Adults with Knee Osteoarthritis.
Randomised, double‑blind, placebo‑controlled trial of water‑soluble eggshell membrane (WSEM, BiovaFlex®) 450 mg daily versus placebo in 88 adults with osteoarthritis over 12 weeks.
The effect of oral hydrolyzed eggshell membrane on the appearance of hair, skin, and nails in healthy middle-aged adults: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial.
Randomised, double‑blind, placebo‑controlled trial of hydrolysed eggshell membrane (BiovaBio™) 450 mg/day for 12 weeks in 88 healthy middle‑aged adults assessing hair, skin and nails.
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Research Overview
Moderate EvidenceCite this ingredient
One-click citation export in APA, MLA, Chicago, BibTeX, or HTML. The URL below is stable and safe to link.
Stable URL
https://thesuppindex.com/ingredients/eggshell-membrane
SuppIndex. (2026). Eggshell Membrane: Evidence summary, dosage and clinical studies. Retrieved October 16, 2026, from https://thesuppindex.com/ingredients/eggshell-membrane
Based on 5 indexed studies · Evidence level: Moderate.
Goal Ratings
Stack Compatibility
Often used alongside other joint supplements in practice; compatibility not assessed in the provided abstracts.