Executive summary:

• The Bone Broth significantly improved the severity of lower symptoms after 8 weeks, including constipation, diarrhea, urgency, flatulence, and abdominal pain.
  
• The Bone Broth significantly improved upper symptoms,including indigestion, heartburn, regurgitation,and nausea.
  
• The Bone Broth significantly improved symptoms associated Quality of Life, including emotional and mental health and wellbeing, sleep, energy, physical functioning, diet and social interactions.
  
• The Bone Broth significantly improved stool consistency & stool frequency and regularity.
  
• The Bone Broth significantly improved intestinal permeability or leaky gut in those with elevated levels at baseline.
  Specifically, Lactulose and Mannitol Recovery improved by 33%, and Lactulose/Mannitol Ratio improved by 38%.
  
• While food triggers had been reported by 83% (25/30) of participants at start of the study, a large number of participants recovered from the food intolerances, with more than 80% tolerating again FODMAP containing foods again, and a third recovered from intolerance to gluten, acidic or spicy foods, dairy, or egg or fried foods, respectively.
  

Background:
The Broth & Co Beef Bone Broth freeze-dried powder is made from Australian Grass Fed and Free Range beef/cattle marrow bone and connective tissue containing a nutrient rich mix of amino acids, minerals, collagen/gelatine and glucosamine/chondroitin.Amino acids such as proline – a precursor of collagen, glycine and glutamine
help with the repair of the gut lining.

In this single-arm pre-post study of 12 weeks duration we investigate the tolerability and effectiveness of the Broth & Co Bone Broth powder on lower gastrointestinal disturbances in Australian adults.

Gastrointestinal problems can manifest as bloating, cramping and pain, constipation, diarrhoea, and conditions such as Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome (IBS), and Crohn’s disease.

Bone Broth has traditionally been used to regain energy through strengthening the gastrointestinal system, and its immune system supporting microbiome.

Bone broth is also rich in minerals, such as magnesium, which is beneficial to reduce cramping and pain.

Objectives:
To assess the tolerability and efficacy of Broth & Co Beef Bone Broth for gastrointestinal disturbances

Design and participants: 
Interventional single-arm pre-post study of 12 weeks duration investigating the tolerability and effectiveness of the Broth & Co Beef Bone Broth on lower gastrointestinal disturbances in Australian adults.

Assessment relies on questionnaires, including the Bristol Stool Chart,1 the Birmingham IBS Symptom Questionnaire,2 IBS-QoL (Quality of Life) Questionnaire,3  and physiological measures, including intestinal permeability. 

Main outcome measures:
Use of Broth & Co Beef Bone Broth Powder; beliefs about the value of Bone Broth.

Results: 
The Broth & Co Bone Broth powder significantly improved the severity of upper GI symptoms after 8 weeks, including indigestion, heartburn, regurgitation, and nausea.  Lower GI symptoms also showed improvement, including constipation, diarrhoea, urgency, flatulence, and abdominal pain, furthermore,stool consistency & stool frequency and regularity also showed improvement.

The Broth & Co Bone Broth significantly improved intestinal permeability or leaky gut in those with elevated levels at baseline. Specifically, Lactulose and Mannitol Recovery improved by 33%, and Lactulose/Mannitol Ratio improved by 38%.

While food triggers had been reported by 83% (25/30) of participants at start of the study, a large number of participants recovered from the food intolerances, with more than 80% tolerating FODMAP containing foods again, and a third recovered from intolerance to gluten, acidic or spicy foods, dairy, or egg or fried foods,
respectively.

The improvements in GI symptoms and health was associated with improved symptoms associated Quality of Life, including emotional and mental health and wellbeing, sleep, energy, physical functioning, diet and social interactions.

Discussion: Broth & Co Bone Broth Powder is a relatively inexpensive and easy to use lifestyle intervention to improve upper and lower gastrointestinal disturbances, improve gut barrier function and reduce food intolerances. It should be considered as adjunct therapy for gut health.