Evidence supporting the use of: Bovine (unspecified)
For the body system: Skeletal System (Bones)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Bovine (unspecified), often referring to bovine bone extracts or bone meal, has traditionally been used to support skeletal health due to its content of minerals such as calcium and phosphorus—key components of bone structure. Historically, bone meal supplements were recommended as a natural source of these minerals before the widespread availability of refined calcium supplements. Folk medicine and traditional practices have included the use of ground animal bones to "strengthen" human bones, under the principle of "like supports like."
However, while the mineral content of bovine bone meal is relevant for bone health, scientific scrutiny has raised concerns over safety (notably, the risk of contamination with heavy metals or prions) and variable bioavailability compared to purified mineral supplements. There is limited modern clinical evidence supporting the efficacy of bovine bone meal over safer, standardized calcium and vitamin D supplements for improving bone density or treating osteoporosis. Most contemporary guidelines for bone health do not recommend bovine (unspecified) products due to these concerns and the availability of better-regulated alternatives.
In summary, the use of bovine (unspecified) for skeletal support is grounded in tradition and historical precedent, but is not robustly validated by current scientific research. The evidence level is rated moderate for traditional use, but low for scientific support.
More about Bovine (unspecified)
More about Skeletal System (Bones)
Other ingredients that support Skeletal System (Bones)
alfalfaalpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
amino acids
sesame
boron
Indian frankincense
bovine
bovine gelatin
broccoli
calcium
cartilage
Chinese salvia root
chondroitin
cissus quadrangularis
collagen
collard
devil's claw
fish protein
gelatin
genistein
genistin
green lipped mussel
horsetail
ipriflavone
magnesium
manganese
microcrystalline hydroxyapatite concentrate (MCHC)
milk
phosphorus
protein
prune
rehmannia glutinosa
sardines
silicon
spinach
strontium
vitamin C
vitamin D
vitamin D3
vitamin K
seaweed
water
boneset
solomon's seal
eucommia
trace minerals
herbal blend (proprietary)
algae
soy isoflavones
Arugula
Antler
Achyranthes
Algas calcareas
Animal protein
Boswellic Acid
Beef
Bone Marrow
Baicalein
Bovine Protein
Borate
Boswellia
Bone Protein
bovine cartilage / glycosaminoglycan
Buckwheat
Comfrey
Chinese Silkvine
Chinese Mountain Ant
Citrate malate
Cod Liver Oil
Chinese Pond Turtle
Chuchuhuasi
Cruciferous
Corallina officinalis
Dolomite
Daidzein
Deer Velvet
Drynaria
Dipsacus
Egg
Elk antler
Glycosaminoglycans
Isoflavones
Molasses
Milk Protein
Phosphate Salt
Soy Protein
Other body systems supported by Bovine (unspecified)
Adrenal CortexAdrenal Glands
Glandular System
Heart
Hepatic System
Immune System
Joints
Nails
Ovaries
Reproductive System
Skeletal System (Bones)
Spleen
Structural System
Testes
Thyroid Gland