Bone Broth Clinical Study: Digestive Wellbeing & Intestinal Permeability Research | Broth & Co
Clinical Study Summary
Effect of Broth & Co Beef Bone Broth on Gastrointestinal Symptoms and Intestinal Permeability: The Bone Broth Gut Study
Conducted by the National Institute of Integrative Medicine (NIIM)
Chief Investigator
A/Prof Karin Ried, PhD, MSc, GDPH, Cert Integ Med
Director of Research, National Institute of Integrative Medicine (NIIM)
Research Team
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Nikolaj Travica, BSc(Hons)
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Bianca Fiasco
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Michelle Brownstein
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Prof Avni Sali
National Institute of Integrative Medicine (NIIM)
21 Burwood Road, Hawthorn VIC 3122 Australia
In collaboration with Broth & Co
Study Overview
The Bone Broth Gut Study was conducted to investigate the tolerability and effectiveness of Broth & Co Beef Bone Broth in Australian adults experiencing lower gastrointestinal disturbances.
The study evaluated digestive wellbeing, gastrointestinal symptoms, stool characteristics, quality of life and markers associated with intestinal permeability over a 12-week period.
Study Design
Type of Study
Prospective interventional single-arm clinical study with a pre-post design.
Participants
Adults experiencing moderate lower gastrointestinal disturbances.
Sample Size
30 Australian adults enrolled.
Duration
12 weeks total.
Phase 1: Run-In Period
4-week control period.
Phase 2: Intervention
8 weeks of Broth & Co Beef Bone Broth supplementation.
Participants consumed:
2 x 5g serves daily (10g total per day)
Mixed into warm water or incorporated into foods and beverages.
Outcome Measures
Researchers assessed:
Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Using validated symptom questionnaires including:
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Birmingham IBS Symptom Questionnaire
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IBS Quality of Life Questionnaire
Digestive Wellbeing
Assessment of:
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Constipation
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Diarrhoea
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Urgency
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Flatulence
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Abdominal discomfort
Stool Characteristics
Using the Bristol Stool Chart:
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Stool consistency
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Stool frequency
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Stool regularity
Quality of Life
Including:
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Emotional wellbeing
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Mental wellbeing
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Energy
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Sleep
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Physical functioning
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Social interactions
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Dietary quality of life
Pain Assessment
Evaluation of:
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Upper abdominal discomfort
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Lower abdominal discomfort
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Other pain symptoms
Intestinal Permeability
Using the Lactulose:Mannitol Test.
Understanding the Lactulose:Mannitol Test
The Lactulose:Mannitol Test is a recognised research tool used to assess intestinal permeability and gut barrier function.
The test measures how two non-metabolised sugars move across the intestinal lining:
Lactulose
A larger sugar molecule that is normally only minimally absorbed.
It is commonly used as a marker of intestinal barrier integrity.
Mannitol
A smaller sugar molecule that is more readily absorbed.
It is commonly used as a marker of transcellular uptake.
Lactulose:Mannitol Ratio
The Lactulose:Mannitol ratio is widely used in research investigating intestinal permeability.
Researchers continue to use this test to explore gut barrier function and digestive health outcomes.
Key Findings
Following eight weeks of Broth & Co Beef Bone Broth supplementation, researchers observed statistically significant improvements across several outcome measures.
1. Improvements in Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Participants demonstrated significant improvements in symptom severity including:
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Constipation
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Diarrhoea
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Urgency
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Flatulence
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Abdominal discomfort
Overall symptom scores improved significantly.
(p < 0.0001)
2. Improvements in Quality of Life
Participants reported significant improvements in:
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Emotional wellbeing
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Mental wellbeing
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Sleep
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Energy levels
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Physical functioning
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Dietary quality of life
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Social interactions
Overall quality-of-life scores improved significantly.
(p < 0.001)
3. Improvements in Upper Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Researchers observed significant improvements in symptoms including:
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Indigestion
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Heartburn
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Regurgitation
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Nausea
(p < 0.001)
4. Improvements in Stool Consistency
Stool consistency shifted towards the ideal Bristol Stool Chart Type 4 classification.
Participants experiencing both harder and looser stool types demonstrated improvement over the intervention period.
5. Improvements in Stool Regularity
Participants demonstrated improvements in stool frequency and regularity, moving closer to the commonly reported healthy range of one to two bowel motions per day.
6. Improvements in Pain Measures
Participants demonstrated significant reductions in:
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Upper abdominal discomfort
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Lower abdominal discomfort
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Other reported pain symptoms
following eight weeks of supplementation.
7. Improvements in Markers Associated with Intestinal Permeability
Researchers observed significant improvements in markers associated with intestinal permeability among participants with elevated baseline levels.
Results included:
Lactulose Recovery
Improved by 33%
(p = 0.023)
Mannitol Recovery
Improved by 33%
(p = 0.006)
Lactulose:Mannitol Ratio
Improved by 25% in a subgroup of participants with elevated baseline values.
These findings indicate improvements in measures associated with intestinal permeability and gut barrier function.
Food Trigger Outcomes
At the commencement of the study, 25 participants reported one or more dietary triggers associated with digestive symptoms.
Researchers observed improvements in symptom severity associated with several commonly reported trigger foods.
FODMAP-Containing Foods
83% of participants reported improvements in symptoms associated with one or more FODMAP triggers.
Wheat and Gluten
36% of participants reported improved tolerance.
Acidic and Spicy Foods
36% of participants reported improvements.
Dairy Foods
27% of participants reported improved tolerance.
Fatty Foods
27% of participants reported improvements.
Alcohol
36% of participants reported improvements.
Clinical Significance
The Bone Broth Gut Study demonstrated statistically significant improvements in:
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Gastrointestinal symptom severity
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Quality of life
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Stool consistency
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Stool regularity
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Pain measures
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Markers associated with intestinal permeability
These findings contribute to the growing body of research investigating nutrient-dense foods and their role within broader digestive health and wellbeing strategies.
Conclusion
The Broth & Co Bone Broth Gut Study provides clinical evidence supporting the inclusion of Broth & Co Beef Bone Broth within dietary approaches focused on digestive wellbeing.
The study demonstrated significant improvements across multiple gastrointestinal and quality-of-life measures, together with improvements in markers associated with intestinal permeability.
Broth & Co Bone Broth Powder remains the only bone broth in Australia supported by a published clinical study investigating digestive wellbeing and intestinal permeability outcomes.
Important Note
This study investigated Broth & Co Beef Bone Broth as a food product within a dietary context. Individual results may vary. Bone broth should be consumed as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.
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