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Eggshell membrane (NEM)

A whole-food joint supplement whose selling point is fast relief of osteoarthritis pain and stiffness.

Reviewed by Bodil Isaksson, Licensed Biomedical Scientist (Sweden)Last reviewed July 2026Supplement guide

SupplementsJoint healthOsteoarthritis

The thin membrane lining an eggshell is naturally rich in collagen, elastin, hyaluronic acid and glycosaminoglycans. Sold as NEM (Natural Eggshell Membrane), it has small but genuine randomised evidence in osteoarthritis — and it works quickly.

Key takeaways

  • A natural source of collagen, elastin, hyaluronic acid and glycosaminoglycans.
  • A randomised, placebo-controlled trial found 500 mg/day reduced knee-OA pain and stiffness, with significant improvement in as little as 10 days.1
  • Fast onset is the main draw; the effect size is modest and the trials are small.
  • Egg allergy is a contraindication.

What it is

NEM is the partially processed membrane separated from eggshells. It supplies collagen (types I, V and X), elastin, hyaluronic acid and chondroitin-type glycosaminoglycans — the raw materials of connective tissue — which may modestly reduce joint inflammation and support comfort.

The evidence

In a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 67 knee-OA patients, 500 mg/day of NEM significantly reduced pain (−15.9%) and stiffness (−12.8%) by day 10, with benefit sustained to day 60.1 Two earlier open-label studies reported a similar rapid response.2 The evidence base is small and largely tied to one ingredient maker, so keep expectations measured — but the speed and safety make it a reasonable quick trial.

Dose & how to use

500 mg once daily. Because the response is fast, you can usually judge whether it helps within about 2 weeks.

Safety & who benefits

Well tolerated in trials. Do not use if you have an egg allergy. Most relevant for knee osteoarthritis, especially where morning stiffness is the main complaint, and for people who want a quick read on whether a joint supplement helps them.

Bottom line: a fast-acting, well-tolerated option — 500 mg/day of NEM is worth a 2-week trial for knee-OA stiffness (avoid with egg allergy).

References

Adult research summary for education, not a prescription. These are food supplements, not treatments for disease.

  1. Ruff KJ, DeVore DP, Leu MD, Robinson MA. Eggshell membrane in the treatment of pain and stiffness from osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomized, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study. Clin Rheumatol 2009;28(8):907–14. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  2. Ruff KJ, Winkler A, Jackson RW, DeVore DP, Ritz BW. Eggshell membrane: a possible new natural therapeutic for joint and connective tissue disorders. Clin Interv Aging 2009;4:235–40. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

This article summarises nutrition science for education. It is not a substitute for individual medical advice; consult a professional before starting a supplement, in pregnancy, or alongside medication.