Eggshells are primarily made of calcium carbonate, and the thin eggshell membrane contains proteins and other compounds that have been studied for joint health. Some research on specially prepared eggshell-membrane supplements has found improvements in certain measures of knee pain and stiffness. However, that is very different from proving that homemade ground eggshell powder can restore mobility or cure arthritis.
Why Are Eggshells Interesting?
An eggshell is largely composed of calcium carbonate, which is a source of calcium.
Calcium is an essential mineral for maintaining normal bones, teeth, muscle function, and nerve signaling. However, simply consuming more calcium does not automatically repair painful joints or damaged cartilage.
The body needs calcium as part of an overall balanced diet, and most people should obtain their calcium primarily from appropriate foods unless a healthcare professional recommends supplementation. Excessive calcium intake can also cause problems, particularly when large amounts are taken as supplements.
What About the Eggshell Membrane?
This is where the story becomes more interesting.
The membrane is the thin layer attached to the inside of an eggshell. It contains proteins and compounds such as collagen-related proteins, glycosaminoglycans and other components that have been investigated for their potential role in joint health.
Several small clinical trials have studied processed eggshell membrane supplements in people with knee osteoarthritis.
A 2024 systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials found that eggshell membrane supplementation was associated with modest improvements in knee osteoarthritis pain and overall WOMAC scores. However, the researchers also noted the need for additional high-quality studies.
Another randomized trial involving 88 adults with knee osteoarthritis reported improvements in some measures of stiffness and physical capacity with a water-soluble eggshell-membrane supplement.
So there is some promising evidence for specific eggshell-membrane supplements.
But that doesn’t mean the viral recipe pictured above has been proven.
Eggshell Powder Is Not the Same as an Eggshell-Membrane Supplement
This distinction is extremely important.
A commercial eggshell-membrane supplement is processed and standardized. Homemade eggshell powder is simply crushed eggshell.
They are not interchangeable.
Research on eggshell membrane cannot be used to claim that eating random kitchen eggshell powder will produce the same effects.
In fact, a 2026 laboratory study raised additional questions about how well some commercial eggshell-membrane products dissolve and are digested in the gastrointestinal tract, showing that the biological effects of these products are still an active area of research.
Can Eggshells Cure Arthritis?
No.
There is currently no good evidence that eating homemade eggshell powder can:
- Cure arthritis
- Rebuild damaged cartilage
- Make someone unable to walk suddenly become a runner
- Reverse severe joint degeneration
- Eliminate chronic joint disease
- Replace prescribed arthritis treatment
Some research suggests eggshell membrane may help certain symptoms of knee osteoarthritis, but that is very different from curing the underlying disease.
If You Still Want to Use Eggshells as a Calcium Source
It is important to be cautious.
Raw eggshells can potentially be contaminated with microorganisms from the egg and its handling. Simply crushing an eggshell does not make it automatically safe to consume.
If someone is considering eggshell powder as a dietary calcium source, a properly manufactured calcium supplement or calcium-rich food is generally a more predictable option than homemade eggshell powder.
And taking large amounts of calcium without considering your existing diet or medical conditions isn’t a good idea. For adults, the NIH lists upper limits for total calcium intake of 2,500 mg/day for ages 19–50 and 2,000 mg/day for adults over 50, including food, beverages and supplements.
Better Ways to Support Healthy Joints
For people experiencing joint pain or stiffness, a broader approach is much more useful than relying on one viral remedy.
Stay Physically Active
Appropriate movement and strengthening exercises can help maintain muscle strength and joint function.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
If someone is overweight, gradual weight loss can reduce mechanical stress on weight-bearing joints such as the knees.
Eat a Balanced Diet
Adequate protein, calcium, vitamin D and other nutrients are important for maintaining bones and muscles.
Address Persistent Pain
Recurring joint pain shouldn’t simply be covered up with home remedies. A healthcare professional can determine whether the problem is osteoarthritis, an injury, inflammatory arthritis, nerve-related pain, or another condition.
When Joint Pain Needs Medical Attention
Don’t rely on eggshells if you have:
- Severe or rapidly worsening joint pain
- A joint that is very swollen, hot or red
- Sudden inability to put weight on a leg
- Significant pain after an injury
- Fever together with a painful swollen joint
- Persistent difficulty walking
- New weakness or numbness
These symptoms can have causes that require prompt medical evaluation.
The Bottom Line
Eggshells are an interesting source of calcium, and eggshell membrane has been studied as a potential supplement for joint symptoms. Some clinical research is encouraging, particularly for knee osteoarthritis, but the evidence does not support the dramatic claim that ordinary eggshells can transform someone from being unable to walk into a daily runner.
If you’re experiencing significant joint pain or difficulty walking, the most important thing is to determine what is causing the problem rather than relying on a viral recipe.