Evidence supporting the use of: Animal Tissue
For the health condition: Convalescence
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Animal tissues have been traditionally used in various cultures to support individuals during convalescence—the recovery phase following illness or surgery. The use of animal tissues such as bone marrow, organ meats (liver, heart, kidney), broths, and gelatin can be traced back centuries in European, Asian, and Indigenous medical practices. These foods were often prescribed for those recovering from debilitating diseases, based on the belief that they provided concentrated nutrition and “vital force” necessary for regeneration and healing. Bone broths, for example, were thought to restore strength due to their protein and mineral content.
From a scientific standpoint, animal tissues are dense sources of protein, vitamins (especially B12 and A), minerals (such as iron and zinc), and other micronutrients important for tissue repair and immune function. However, while nutritional support via animal-derived foods is rational, there is limited direct clinical evidence comparing animal tissue supplements to other protein sources in accelerating convalescence. Most support comes from their nutritional value rather than unique healing properties of animal tissues per se.
In summary, the use of animal tissue during convalescence is justified by strong traditional practices and some nutritional rationale, but lacks robust, condition-specific scientific validation.
Other ingredients used for Convalescence
aloe veraalpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
amino acids
arabinogalactan
astaxanthin
astragalus
Beta-Glucan
bilberry
black currant
bovine
bovine liver
branched-chain amino acids
bupleurum falcatum
cat's claw
caterpillar mushroom
chlorella
colostrum
cordyceps
turmeric
elderberry
eleuthero
fish protein
garlic bulb
ginger
gotu kola
grape
green tea
iron
l-alanyl-l-glutamine
l-cysteine
l-glutamine
l-glycine
lactoferrin
lentinula edodes mycelia
licorice root
liquid liver fractions
milk
ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate
pollen
pomegranate
protein
pyrroloquinoline disodium salt
quail egg
reishi mushroom
shiitake mushroom
spirulina
vitamin C
vitamin D
whey protein
zinc
jiaogulan
bee pollen
lingzhi
haliotis
cistanche
ganoderma
royal jelly
fulvic acid
goji berry
algae
Alcohol
Animal Tissue
Antler
Ambergris
Auricularia
Albumin
Andrographis
Algal protein
Alkylglycerols
Animal protein
Butter
Blackthorn
Beef Protein
Beef
Beef liver
Bone Marrow
Bovine Protein
Bacteria
BCAA
Bupleurum
Bird's nest
Chinese Mountain Ant
Coriolus mushroom
Codonopsis
Chinese Pond Turtle
Centella asiatica
Chicken
Dialyzable Leukocyte Extract
D-Ribose
Dipeptide
Egg
Elk antler
Euglena gracilis
Egg protein
Milk Protein
Mistletoe
Quinoa Protein
Other health conditions supported by Animal Tissue
AnemiaArthritis
Bleeding (external)
Broken Bones
Burns and Scalds
Calcium Deficiency
Cardiovascular Disease
Cartilage Damage
Convalescence
Cuts
Hernias
Injuries
Nerve Damage
Osteoporosis
Pernicious Anemia
Protein Digestion (poor)
Surgery (healing from)
Surgery (preparation for)
Wasting
Wounds and Sores