Overview

Eggshell membrane is the thin layer lining the inside of chicken eggshells. Products made from eggshell membrane are taken by mouth or applied to the skin as medicine.

Eggshell membrane is rich in protein, amino acids, and collagen. It might have anti-aging effects on the skin and reduce joint pain.

People commonly use eggshell membrane for osteoarthritis. It is also used for aging skin, muscle strength, chronic pain, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.

Don't confuse eggshell membrane with hyperimmune egg. These are not the same.



Uses & Effectiveness

Possibly Effective for

  • Osteoarthritis. Taking eggshell membrane by mouth might reduce pain by a small amount in people with knee osteoarthritis.

There is interest in using eggshell membrane for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Eggshell membrane is possibly safe when used in doses of up to 500 mg daily for 2-12 weeks. It seems to be well-tolerated. Some specific types of eggshell membrane are considered safe when added to foods.

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if eggshell membrane is safe or what the side effects might be.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Eggshell membrane is possibly safe when used in doses of up to 500 mg daily for 2-12 weeks. It seems to be well-tolerated. Some specific types of eggshell membrane are considered safe when added to foods.

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if eggshell membrane is safe or what the side effects might be.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if eggshell membrane is safe when used during pregnancy or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Egg allergy: Eggshell membrane comes from the shells of chicken eggs. People with egg allergy may also have an allergy to eggshell membrane.

Interactions

We currently have no information for Eggshell Membrane overview.

Dosing

Eggshell membrane has most often been used by adults in doses of 300-500 mg by mouth daily for up to 12 weeks. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what type of product and dose might be best for a specific condition.
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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is licensed from Therapeutic Research Center, LLC. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
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