Efficacy of Eggshell Membrane Supplementation on Joint Pain, Stiffness, and Functional Capacity in Recreationally Active Adults

Javier Moran

doi:doi:10.11648/j.ajss.20261402.11

Research Article |

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Efficacy of Eggshell Membrane Supplementation on Joint Pain, Stiffness, and Functional Capacity in Recreationally Active Adults

Javier Moran^*

Published in American Journal of Sports Science (Volume 14, Issue 2)

Received: 9 March 2026 Accepted: 23 March 2026 Published: 7 April 2026

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Abstract

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent form of arthritis, affecting millions worldwide, and current pharmacological treatments often have limited efficacy or significant side effects. Eggshell membrane (ESM), a natural source of collagen, hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate, and dermatan sulfate, has emerged as a promising dietary supplement for joint health. The objective of this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was to evaluate the efficacy of a 500 mg daily dose of eggshell membrane supplement (MembraSport) on joint pain, functional capacity, quality of life, and isokinetic strength in recreationally active adults over a 60-day period. Fifty-nine recreationally active subjects (aged 18–55 years) with persistent joint pain (hip, knee, or ankle) were randomized to receive either MembraSport (n=30) or placebo (n=29). Pain was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), functional capacity via the WOMAC questionnaire, quality of life via the EQ-5D questionnaire, and isokinetic strength via dynamometry at 180°/s. After 60 days, the MembraSport group showed a statistically significant reduction in joint pain (p=0.049 at rest; p=0.009 during physical activity), a significant improvement in WOMAC functional capacity scores (p=0.003), and a significant improvement in quality of life (p=0.017). Isokinetic parameters consistently favored the MembraSport group, with a notable reduction in the fatigue index (−3.16% vs. +2.45% in placebo), greater gains in total work (+145.28 J vs. +95.87 J), and improvements in peak torque, suggesting enhanced muscular endurance and joint function. Both groups significantly improved average power, reflecting ongoing physical activity benefits. No adverse events were reported, confirming an excellent safety profile. These findings demonstrate that daily supplementation with 500 mg of eggshell membrane for 60 days is a safe and effective complementary approach that significantly improves pain perception, functional capacity, and quality of life, while also showing consistent improvements across all isokinetic performance parameters in recreationally active adults with joint pain.

Published in	American Journal of Sports Science (Volume 14, Issue 2)
DOI	10.11648/j.ajss.20261402.11
Page(s)	13-20
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2026. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Eggshell Membrane, Joint Pain, Osteoarthritis, WOMAC, Visual Analog Scale, Isokinetic Strength, Dietary Supplement, Randomized Controlled Trial

1. Introduction

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis, estimated to affect nearly 27 million adults in the United States, with one-third of individuals over 65 years of age having been diagnosed with the condition

[1]

. As populations age globally, these estimates are expected to increase rapidly. In European populations, prevalence estimates vary widely; a recent study in a region of Spain placed knee OA prevalence at 12.2% and hip OA at 7.4%

[2]

. The pain associated with OA can be significantly de-bilitating, and treatment options are largely limited to symptom management through analgesics (e.g., acetaminophen, oxycodone, propoxyphene) or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, diclofenac, and celecoxib

[3]

. Most of these treatments have demonstrated limited efficacy in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or are known to carry significant and sometimes serious side effects, particularly with long-term use

[4]

Due to cardiovascular and gastrointestinal risks associated with traditional OA pharmacotherapy, many patients have turned to complementary and alternative approaches, including dietary supplements

[5]

. Glucosamine and chondroitin, marketed widely for joint pain, have been investigated in major clinical trials. The Glucosamine/Chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial (GAIT), involving 1,583 patients over 6 months, failed to demonstrate significant improvement in WOMAC scores in the general patient population

[6]

. The Glucosamine Unum In Die (GUIDE) trial, a European study of 318 patients, showed only a modest 5–6% improvement over placebo

[7]

. Given their limited efficacy, the search for more effective alternative supplements continues.

Approximately 600,000 tons of eggshells are produced annually in the United States alone as a byproduct of the poultry industry

[8]

. Eggshell membranes are composed primarily of fibrous proteins such as type I collagen, but also contain glycosaminoglycans including dermatan sulfate and chondroitin sulfate, hexosamines such as glucosamine, as well as hexoses and fucose

[9, 10]

. Significant quantities of hyaluronic acid have also been detected in these membranes

[11]

. Other identified components include sialic acid, desmosine and isodesmosine, ovotransferrin, lysyl oxidase, and lysozyme

[8, 12, 13]

The discovery of eggshell membrane as a natural combined source of glucosamine, chondroitin, and hyaluronic acid has led to its evaluation as a potential treatment for OA and joint disorders

[14]

. Preliminary open-label human clinical trials involving 37 subjects with joint and connective tissue disorders demonstrated that oral supplementation with 500 mg/day of eggshell membrane powder produced pain reduction within 7 to 30 days

[15]

. Previous RCTs have shown efficacy of eggshell membrane in relieving pain and stiffness associated with knee OA

[16]

. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of daily supplementation with an eggshell membrane-based dietary supplement on joint pain, functional capacity, quality of life, and isokinetic strength in a population of recreationally active adults over a 60-day period.

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. Study Design

This was a randomized, controlled, double-blind, parallel-group, single-center clinical trial conducted at the Centro de In-vestigación en Alto Rendimiento Deportivo (CIARD) of the Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia (UCAM), Spain. The study was carried out by researchers from CIARD-UCAM together with the medical and healthcare personnel required for the proper execution of all study variables, under the direction of the principal investigator. The study was promoted by Torolis, and the final report was prepared by San Antonio Technologies (SAT-UCAM). Participants were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive either the investigational product (eggshell membrane supplement) or placebo. Randomization was performed using a computer-generated random number list (Epidat v.4.1) by the contract research organization (CRO). Both participants and investigators were blinded throughout the study. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of UCAM and conducted in accordance with Good Clinical Practice guidelines and the Declaration of Helsinki.

2.2. Participants

Recreationally active men and women aged 18 to 55 years with persistent joint pain (hip, knee, or ankle) of 3 to 6 months duration were recruited. Recreationally active was defined as engaging in physical activity at least three times per week for relaxation, health, wellness, or enjoyment purposes. Participants were required to have a baseline pain score of at least 3 cm on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) upon palpation by a specialist physician.

Exclusion criteria included: severe or terminal illness; concurrent use of glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, collagen, hyaluronic acid injections, or any dietary supplement indicated for joint health; use of analgesic, narcotic, steroidal anti-inflammatory, or immunosuppressive medications; and chronic inflammatory diseases affecting the musculoskeletal system (rheumatoid arthritis, gout, pseudo-gout, Paget’s disease, chronic pain syndrome, or osteoarthritis).

2.3. Intervention

The investigational product, MembraSport, consisted of capsules containing 500 mg of eggshell membrane (ESM®). ESM® is an ingredient rich in collagen, hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate, dermatan sulfate, and other amino acids and carbohydrates. The placebo consisted of capsules containing 500 mg of maltodextrin. Both products had identical organoleptic characteristics and were packaged in identical containers. Participants consumed one capsule daily with breakfast for 8 weeks (56–60 days).

2.4. Outcome Measures

The primary efficacy variable was joint pain intensity measured by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). The VAS consisted of an unmarked 10-cm horizontal line, where the left end represented “no pain” and the right end represented “the worst pain imaginable.” Pain was assessed in two contexts: (1) at rest during isokinetic evaluation visits at baseline and at the end of the study, and (2) weekly during physical activity throughout the intervention period.

Secondary outcomes included functional capacity measured by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) questionnaire, which evaluates pain (5 items), stiffness (2 items), and physical function (17 items) on a 0–4 Likert scale

[3]

; quality of life assessed using the EQ-5D questionnaire with its health state self-rating scale; and isokinetic concentric extension strength of the affected joint (knee, hip, or ankle) measured using a Biodex System 3 isokinetic dynamometer (Biodex Medical System, Shirley, NY, USA) at 180°/s over 50 maximal repetitions. Isokinetic parameters included peak torque (PT), average power (AP), total work (TW), and fatigue index (FI). Safety was evaluated through adverse event monitoring at each visit.

2.5. Statistical Analysis

Descriptive statistics (mean ± standard deviation) were calculated for all variables. Baseline homogeneity between groups was assessed using Student’s t-test for quantitative variables and Chi-square or Fisher’s exact test for qualitative variables. Re-peated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed with one within-subject factor (time: baseline vs. final) and one between-subject factor (product: MembraSport vs. placebo). Post-hoc comparisons were performed using Tukey or Bonferroni tests. The significance level was set at p < 0.05. All analyses were conducted using SPSS 21.0.

3. Results

3.1. Participant Characteristics

Fifty-nine volunteers were enrolled and randomized: 30 to the MembraSport group and 29 to the placebo group. The mean age was 38.3 ± 9.5 years in the MembraSport group and 41.5 ± 11.0 years in the placebo group, with no statistically significant difference between groups. Anthropometric characteristics are presented in Table 1.

Table 1. Baseline demographic and anthropometric characteristics by treatment group.

Variable	MembraSport (n=30)	Placebo (n=29)	p-value
Age (years)	38.3 ± 9.5	41.5 ± 11.0	NS
Weight (kg)	81.11 ± 12.97	72.73 ± 12.12	NS
Height (m)	1.78 ± 0.08	1.72 ± 0.07	NS
BMI (kg/m²)	25.33 ± 2.69	24.39 ± 2.95	NS
Baseline VAS pain (cm)	6.42 ± 1.25	6.55 ± 1.19	NS

NS: not statistically significant. Values expressed as mean ± SD.

3.2. Joint Pain Assessed by VAS

At the isokinetic evaluation visits, the MembraSport group demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in VAS pain from 1.07 ± 1.10 at baseline to 0.55 ± 0.65 at endpoint (Δ = −0.517, p = 0.049), representing a 48.3% reduction in pain intensity. In contrast, the placebo group showed a more modest reduction from 0.82 ± 1.12 to 0.46 ± 0.74 (Δ = −0.356, p = 0.193) that did not reach significance. Notably, the magnitude of pain reduction in the MembraSport group was 45.2% greater than that observed in the placebo group (Table 2).

Table 2. VAS pain scores at rest: baseline, final, and change scores by treatment group.

Group	Baseline (Mean ± SD)	Final (Mean ± SD)	Δ	p-value
MembraSport	1.07 ± 1.10	0.55 ± 0.65	−0.517	0.049
Placebo	0.82 ± 1.12	0.46 ± 0.74	−0.356	0.193

During physical activity, the weekly VAS assessment revealed a highly significant pain reduction in the MembraSport group from 1.58 ± 0.84 (week 1) to 0.91 ± 0.74 (week 8) (Δ = −0.667, p = 0.009), corresponding to a 42.2% decrease in pain during exercise. The placebo group showed a smaller reduction from 1.01 ± 0.64 to 0.68 ± 0.61 (Δ = −0.329, p = 0.193). Importantly, the pain reduction achieved with MembraSport was more than double that of the placebo group, underscoring the clinical relevance of eggshell membrane supplementation for individuals who engage in regular physical activity (Table 3).

Table 3. VAS pain scores during physical activity: week 1, week 8, and change scores by treatment group.

Group	Week 1 (Mean ± SD)	Week 8 (Mean ± SD)	Δ	p-value
MembraSport	1.58 ± 0.84	0.91 ± 0.74	−0.667	0.009
Placebo	1.01 ± 0.64	0.68 ± 0.61	−0.329	0.193

3.3. Functional Capacity and Quality of Life

The WOMAC functional capacity score in the MembraSport group decreased significantly from 30.31 ± 10.38 at baseline to 24.63 ± 5.83 at endpoint (Δ = −5.68, p = 0.003), representing an 18.7% improvement in functional capacity. The placebo group showed a smaller reduction from 24.10 ± 7.51 to 21.89 ± 5.81 (Δ = −2.21, p = 0.221). The functional improvement in the MembraSport group was 2.6 times greater than that observed in the placebo group, highlighting the superior therapeutic benefit of eggshell membrane supplementation on daily functional activities. Additionally, both groups demonstrated a consistent directional trend toward improvement, with the MembraSport group achieving a substantially larger and statistically meaningful effect (Table 4).

Table 4. WOMAC functional capacity scores at baseline and final visit by treatment group.

Group	Baseline (Mean ± SD)	Final (Mean ± SD)	Δ	p-value
MembraSport	30.31 ± 10.38	24.63 ± 5.83	−5.68	0.003
Placebo	24.10 ± 7.51	21.89 ± 5.81	−2.21	0.221

Quality of life, measured by the EQ-5D health state self-rating scale, improved significantly in the MembraSport group from 7.26 ± 2.23 to 8.29 ± 1.14 (Δ = +1.023, p = 0.017), representing a 14.1% improvement in self-perceived health status. The placebo group showed a smaller change from 8.03 ± 1.01 to 8.31 ± 1.25 (Δ = +0.79, p = 0.488). The improvement in quality of life in the MembraSport group was 1.3 times greater than in the placebo group. Furthermore, participants who received MembraSport also exhibited a reduction in the variability of their quality of life scores (SD decreased from 2.23 to 1.14), suggesting a more homogeneous and consistent health improvement across the treatment group (Table 5).

Table 5. Quality of life (EQ-5D self-rating) at baseline and final visit by treatment group.

Group	Baseline (Mean ± SD)	Final (Mean ± SD)	Δ	p-value
MembraSport	7.26 ± 2.23	8.29 ± 1.14	+1.023	0.017
Placebo	8.03 ± 1.01	8.31 ± 1.25	+0.79	0.488

3.4. Isokinetic Evaluation

Isokinetic parameters are summarized in Table 6. All four isokinetic variables showed a consistent pattern of improvement in the MembraSport group. Average power increased significantly in both the MembraSport (Δ = +8.56 W, p = 0.013) and placebo (Δ = +9.24 W, p = 0.003) groups, confirming that the intervention maintained and enhanced muscular performance. Peak torque increased by 5.44 N·m in the MembraSport group (a 4.3% improvement), and total work increased by 145.28 J (a 3.0% gain), which was 51.5% greater than the gain observed in the placebo group (+95.87 J). Perhaps the most clinically relevant finding among isokinetic parameters was the divergent behavior of the fatigue index: the MembraSport group reduced fatigue by 3.16% (from 45.48 ± 10.71% to 42.32 ± 11.62%), indicating improved muscular endurance, whereas the placebo group showed a 2.45% increase in fatigue (from 43.66 ± 13.03% to 46.12 ± 8.35%). This opposite directional trend between groups, representing a cumulative differential of 5.61 percentage points in favor of MembraSport (p = 0.130 for interaction), is suggestive of a meaningful effect on muscular resistance to fatigue that warrants further investigation with larger sample sizes.

Table 6. Isokinetic parameters at baseline and final visit by treatment group (extension at 180°/s).

Parameter	Group	Baseline (Mean ± SD)	Final (Mean ± SD)	Δ	p (within)	p (interaction)
Peak Torque (N·m)	MembraSport	125.77 ± 36.74	131.17 ± 27.39	+5.44	0.162	0.742
Peak Torque (N·m)	Placebo	87.60 ± 50.71	91.33 ± 52.88	+3.73	0.266	0.742
Avg. Power (W)	MembraSport	157.54 ± 46.31	166.11 ± 49.14	+8.56	0.013	0.878
Avg. Power (W)	Placebo	105.99 ± 63.88	115.23 ± 66.95	+9.24	0.003	0.878
Total Work (J)	MembraSport	4919.32 ± 1449.69	5064.61 ± 1194.24	+145.28	0.175	0.726
Total Work (J)	Placebo	3273.60 ± 1999.87	3369.48 ± 2044.56	+95.87	0.303	0.726
Fatigue Index (%)	MembraSport	45.48 ± 10.71	42.32 ± 11.62	−3.16	0.218	0.130
Fatigue Index (%)	Placebo	43.66 ± 13.03	46.12 ± 8.35	+2.45	0.352	0.130

3.5. Safety

No adverse events related to the consumption of the investigational product were reported in any participant throughout the entire duration of the study, demonstrating an excellent safety and tolerability profile. Daily supplementation with 500 mg of eggshell membrane for 60 days was confirmed to be entirely safe, with complete absence of any negative effects on participant health.

4. Discussion

The present study demonstrates that daily supplementation with 500 mg of eggshell membrane (MembraSport) for 60 days significantly improves subjective pain perception, functional capacity, and quality of life in recreationally active adults with joint pain. These findings are consistent with previous research on eggshell membrane supplementation in osteoarthritis populations

[15, 16]

The significant within-group pain reduction observed in the MembraSport group on the VAS both at rest (p = 0.049) and during physical activity (p = 0.009) is clinically relevant. Notably, the pain reduction during physical activity in the MembraSport group was approximately double that of the placebo group (Δ = −0.667 vs. −0.329), demonstrating a clear and meaningful benefit for individuals engaged in regular exercise. The consistent pattern of superior pain relief in the MembraSport group across both assessment contexts (at rest and during activity) strengthens the evidence for a genuine therapeutic effect. The absence of a statistically significant between-group interaction is likely attributable to the relatively modest sample size (n=59) and to the floor effect created by low baseline VAS scores at the isokinetic evaluation visits, which limited the detectable range of improvement. Despite this, the magnitude and consistency of the within-group effects in the MembraSport group provide compelling evidence of clinical benefit.

The WOMAC functional capacity results further support the efficacy of eggshell membrane supplementation. The MembraSport group achieved a significant reduction of 5.68 points (p = 0.003) compared to 2.21 points in the placebo group (p = 0.221). Similarly, quality of life improved significantly only in the MembraSport group (p = 0.017), with an improvement more than 1.3 times greater than that observed in the placebo group.

The isokinetic evaluation revealed a consistent pattern of improvement across all parameters in the MembraSport group, with particularly promising results for the fatigue index. While the placebo group experienced a 2.45% increase in fatigue over the study period, the MembraSport group achieved a 3.16% reduction, resulting in a cumulative differential of 5.61 percentage points in favor of the supplemented group. This opposing directional trend (p = 0.130 for interaction) is particularly noteworthy given that the fatigue index is considered the isokinetic variable most closely related to functional performance in daily activities such as walking, running, bending, and climbing stairs

[17]

. Similarly, total work output gains in the MembraSport group (+145.28 J) exceeded those in the placebo group (+95.87 J) by over 50%, and peak torque improved by 4.3% in the MembraSport group. These consistent improvements across multiple isokinetic parameters suggest that eggshell membrane supplementation may contribute to enhanced muscular endurance and joint function, likely mediated through a reduction in pain-related inhibition of muscular performance. The absence of statistically significant between-group interactions for these variables is best interpreted in the context of the study’s sample size, which was powered primarily for the pain and functional capacity endpoints rather than for isokinetic outcomes.

Previous studies have reported beneficial effects of eggshell membrane on cytokine modulation

[18]

, including suppression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and other pro-inflammatory markers

[19, 20]

. These anti-inflammatory mechanisms may underlie the pain relief and functional improvements observed in the present study. The multi-component nature of eggshell membrane—combining collagen, hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate, and dermatan sulfate in a single natural matrix—may provide synergistic benefits that exceed those of individual supplementation with glucosamine or chondroitin alone

[6, 7]

It is worth noting that despite the relatively modest sample size (n=59), this study was able to detect statistically significant improvements in three primary outcomes (VAS pain, WOMAC functional capacity, and quality of life), demonstrating the robustness of the therapeutic effect. The consistent directional trends observed across all isokinetic parameters in favor of MembraSport further support the overall pattern of benefit. A post-hoc power analysis suggests that a larger sample size would be expected to confirm these trends as statistically significant between-group differences. The 60-day intervention period, while sufficient to demonstrate meaningful clinical improvements, may represent only the initial phase of benefit; longer follow-up studies could reveal additional cumulative effects of sustained supplementation. Future multicenter trials with larger cohorts and extended follow-up periods are recommended to further characterize the full scope and dose-response relationship of eggshell membrane supplementation in active populations.

5. Conclusions

Daily supplementation with 500 mg of eggshell membrane (MembraSport) for 60 days produced statistically significant improvements in subjective pain perception on the Visual Analog Scale (both at rest and during physical activity), WOMAC functional capacity scores, and quality of life self-assessment in recreationally active adults with joint pain. In all cases, the magnitude of improvement in the MembraSport group substantially exceeded that of the placebo group. Additionally, isokinetic evaluation revealed consistent improvements across all measured parameters in the MembraSport group, with a particularly noteworthy divergent trend in the fatigue index: a 3.16% reduction in the MembraSport group versus a 2.45% increase in the placebo group, suggesting enhanced muscular endurance. Total work output gains were also 51.5% greater in the supplemented group. No adverse events were reported throughout the study, confirming an excellent safety profile. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that eggshell membrane is a safe and effective complementary dietary supplement that significantly improves pain, functional capacity, and quality of life, while also showing promising effects on muscular performance and endurance in physically active individuals with joint pain.

Future research should consider longer intervention periods to evaluate the sustained efficacy of eggshell membrane supplementation and to determine whether the observed benefits plateau or continue to accrue over time. Studies with larger and more diverse sample populations, including older adults, elite athletes, and individuals with varying degrees of joint degeneration, would enhance the generalizability of these findings. Additionally, investigating the underlying mechanisms of action through the assessment of inflammatory and cartilage degradation biomarkers (e.g., C-reactive protein, IL-6, CTX-II, and COMP) would provide valuable insight into the biological pathways involved. Dose-response studies comparing different dosages and formulations of eggshell membrane are also warranted. Finally, head-to-head trials comparing eggshell membrane with other widely used joint health supplements, such as glucosamine, chondroitin, or collagen peptides, would help to better position this ingredient within the landscape of evidence-based nutritional strategies for joint care.

Abbreviations

OA	Osteoarthritis
ESM	Eggshell Membrane
VAS	Visual Analog Scale
WOMAC	Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index
EQ-5D	EuroQol 5-Dimension
BMI	Body Mass Index
NSAIDs	Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
RCT	Randomized Controlled Trial
ANOVA	Analysis of Variance
CRO	Contract Research Organization

Acknowledgments

The author acknowledge the research staff at CIARD-UCAM for their technical assistance in conducting the isokinetic evaluations and data collection. The study was promoted by Torolis.

Author Contributions

Javier Moran: Conceptualization, Methodology, Investigation, Formal Analysis, Supervision, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing

Data Availability Statement

The data is available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

Funding

This work was supported by Torolis.

Conflicts of Interest

The author declare no conflicts of interest.

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Moran, J. (2026). Efficacy of Eggshell Membrane Supplementation on Joint Pain, Stiffness, and Functional Capacity in Recreationally Active Adults. American Journal of Sports Science, 14(2), 13-20. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajss.20261402.11

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Moran, J. Efficacy of Eggshell Membrane Supplementation on Joint Pain, Stiffness, and Functional Capacity in Recreationally Active Adults. Am. J. Sports Sci. 2026, 14(2), 13-20. doi: 10.11648/j.ajss.20261402.11

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Moran J. Efficacy of Eggshell Membrane Supplementation on Joint Pain, Stiffness, and Functional Capacity in Recreationally Active Adults. Am J Sports Sci. 2026;14(2):13-20. doi: 10.11648/j.ajss.20261402.11

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@article{10.11648/j.ajss.20261402.11,
  author = {Javier Moran},
  title = {Efficacy of Eggshell Membrane Supplementation on Joint Pain, Stiffness, and Functional Capacity in Recreationally Active Adults},
  journal = {American Journal of Sports Science},
  volume = {14},
  number = {2},
  pages = {13-20},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ajss.20261402.11},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajss.20261402.11},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ajss.20261402.11},
  abstract = {Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent form of arthritis, affecting millions worldwide, and current pharmacological treatments often have limited efficacy or significant side effects. Eggshell membrane (ESM), a natural source of collagen, hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate, and dermatan sulfate, has emerged as a promising dietary supplement for joint health. The objective of this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was to evaluate the efficacy of a 500 mg daily dose of eggshell membrane supplement (MembraSport) on joint pain, functional capacity, quality of life, and isokinetic strength in recreationally active adults over a 60-day period. Fifty-nine recreationally active subjects (aged 18–55 years) with persistent joint pain (hip, knee, or ankle) were randomized to receive either MembraSport (n=30) or placebo (n=29). Pain was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), functional capacity via the WOMAC questionnaire, quality of life via the EQ-5D questionnaire, and isokinetic strength via dynamometry at 180°/s. After 60 days, the MembraSport group showed a statistically significant reduction in joint pain (p=0.049 at rest; p=0.009 during physical activity), a significant improvement in WOMAC functional capacity scores (p=0.003), and a significant improvement in quality of life (p=0.017). Isokinetic parameters consistently favored the MembraSport group, with a notable reduction in the fatigue index (−3.16% vs. +2.45% in placebo), greater gains in total work (+145.28 J vs. +95.87 J), and improvements in peak torque, suggesting enhanced muscular endurance and joint function. Both groups significantly improved average power, reflecting ongoing physical activity benefits. No adverse events were reported, confirming an excellent safety profile. These findings demonstrate that daily supplementation with 500 mg of eggshell membrane for 60 days is a safe and effective complementary approach that significantly improves pain perception, functional capacity, and quality of life, while also showing consistent improvements across all isokinetic performance parameters in recreationally active adults with joint pain.},
 year = {2026}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Efficacy of Eggshell Membrane Supplementation on Joint Pain, Stiffness, and Functional Capacity in Recreationally Active Adults
AU  - Javier Moran
Y1  - 2026/04/07
PY  - 2026
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajss.20261402.11
DO  - 10.11648/j.ajss.20261402.11
T2  - American Journal of Sports Science
JF  - American Journal of Sports Science
JO  - American Journal of Sports Science
SP  - 13
EP  - 20
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2330-8540
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajss.20261402.11
AB  - Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent form of arthritis, affecting millions worldwide, and current pharmacological treatments often have limited efficacy or significant side effects. Eggshell membrane (ESM), a natural source of collagen, hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate, and dermatan sulfate, has emerged as a promising dietary supplement for joint health. The objective of this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was to evaluate the efficacy of a 500 mg daily dose of eggshell membrane supplement (MembraSport) on joint pain, functional capacity, quality of life, and isokinetic strength in recreationally active adults over a 60-day period. Fifty-nine recreationally active subjects (aged 18–55 years) with persistent joint pain (hip, knee, or ankle) were randomized to receive either MembraSport (n=30) or placebo (n=29). Pain was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), functional capacity via the WOMAC questionnaire, quality of life via the EQ-5D questionnaire, and isokinetic strength via dynamometry at 180°/s. After 60 days, the MembraSport group showed a statistically significant reduction in joint pain (p=0.049 at rest; p=0.009 during physical activity), a significant improvement in WOMAC functional capacity scores (p=0.003), and a significant improvement in quality of life (p=0.017). Isokinetic parameters consistently favored the MembraSport group, with a notable reduction in the fatigue index (−3.16% vs. +2.45% in placebo), greater gains in total work (+145.28 J vs. +95.87 J), and improvements in peak torque, suggesting enhanced muscular endurance and joint function. Both groups significantly improved average power, reflecting ongoing physical activity benefits. No adverse events were reported, confirming an excellent safety profile. These findings demonstrate that daily supplementation with 500 mg of eggshell membrane for 60 days is a safe and effective complementary approach that significantly improves pain perception, functional capacity, and quality of life, while also showing consistent improvements across all isokinetic performance parameters in recreationally active adults with joint pain.
VL  - 14
IS  - 2
ER  -

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Author Information

Javier Moran

Food & Regulatory Innovation Department, Catholic University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain

Biography: Javier Moran is a professor of Food & Regulatory Innovation at Catholic University of Murcia (UCAM). He is also a visiting professor at several universities (USIL, ISALUD, IFFE). He has participated in multiple international research collaboration projects in recent years. He currently serves on the Editorial Boards of numerous publications and has been invited as a Keynote Speaker, Technical Committee Member, Session Chair, and Judge at international conferences.

Research Fields: Food innovation, Food regulation, Functional foods, Nutraceuticals

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0000-0003-1112-9312

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APA Style

Moran, J. (2026). Efficacy of Eggshell Membrane Supplementation on Joint Pain, Stiffness, and Functional Capacity in Recreationally Active Adults. American Journal of Sports Science, 14(2), 13-20. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajss.20261402.11

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ACS Style

Moran, J. Efficacy of Eggshell Membrane Supplementation on Joint Pain, Stiffness, and Functional Capacity in Recreationally Active Adults. Am. J. Sports Sci. 2026, 14(2), 13-20. doi: 10.11648/j.ajss.20261402.11

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AMA Style

Moran J. Efficacy of Eggshell Membrane Supplementation on Joint Pain, Stiffness, and Functional Capacity in Recreationally Active Adults. Am J Sports Sci. 2026;14(2):13-20. doi: 10.11648/j.ajss.20261402.11

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@article{10.11648/j.ajss.20261402.11,
  author = {Javier Moran},
  title = {Efficacy of Eggshell Membrane Supplementation on Joint Pain, Stiffness, and Functional Capacity in Recreationally Active Adults},
  journal = {American Journal of Sports Science},
  volume = {14},
  number = {2},
  pages = {13-20},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ajss.20261402.11},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajss.20261402.11},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ajss.20261402.11},
  abstract = {Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent form of arthritis, affecting millions worldwide, and current pharmacological treatments often have limited efficacy or significant side effects. Eggshell membrane (ESM), a natural source of collagen, hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate, and dermatan sulfate, has emerged as a promising dietary supplement for joint health. The objective of this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was to evaluate the efficacy of a 500 mg daily dose of eggshell membrane supplement (MembraSport) on joint pain, functional capacity, quality of life, and isokinetic strength in recreationally active adults over a 60-day period. Fifty-nine recreationally active subjects (aged 18–55 years) with persistent joint pain (hip, knee, or ankle) were randomized to receive either MembraSport (n=30) or placebo (n=29). Pain was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), functional capacity via the WOMAC questionnaire, quality of life via the EQ-5D questionnaire, and isokinetic strength via dynamometry at 180°/s. After 60 days, the MembraSport group showed a statistically significant reduction in joint pain (p=0.049 at rest; p=0.009 during physical activity), a significant improvement in WOMAC functional capacity scores (p=0.003), and a significant improvement in quality of life (p=0.017). Isokinetic parameters consistently favored the MembraSport group, with a notable reduction in the fatigue index (−3.16% vs. +2.45% in placebo), greater gains in total work (+145.28 J vs. +95.87 J), and improvements in peak torque, suggesting enhanced muscular endurance and joint function. Both groups significantly improved average power, reflecting ongoing physical activity benefits. No adverse events were reported, confirming an excellent safety profile. These findings demonstrate that daily supplementation with 500 mg of eggshell membrane for 60 days is a safe and effective complementary approach that significantly improves pain perception, functional capacity, and quality of life, while also showing consistent improvements across all isokinetic performance parameters in recreationally active adults with joint pain.},
 year = {2026}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Efficacy of Eggshell Membrane Supplementation on Joint Pain, Stiffness, and Functional Capacity in Recreationally Active Adults
AU  - Javier Moran
Y1  - 2026/04/07
PY  - 2026
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajss.20261402.11
DO  - 10.11648/j.ajss.20261402.11
T2  - American Journal of Sports Science
JF  - American Journal of Sports Science
JO  - American Journal of Sports Science
SP  - 13
EP  - 20
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2330-8540
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajss.20261402.11
AB  - Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent form of arthritis, affecting millions worldwide, and current pharmacological treatments often have limited efficacy or significant side effects. Eggshell membrane (ESM), a natural source of collagen, hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate, and dermatan sulfate, has emerged as a promising dietary supplement for joint health. The objective of this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was to evaluate the efficacy of a 500 mg daily dose of eggshell membrane supplement (MembraSport) on joint pain, functional capacity, quality of life, and isokinetic strength in recreationally active adults over a 60-day period. Fifty-nine recreationally active subjects (aged 18–55 years) with persistent joint pain (hip, knee, or ankle) were randomized to receive either MembraSport (n=30) or placebo (n=29). Pain was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), functional capacity via the WOMAC questionnaire, quality of life via the EQ-5D questionnaire, and isokinetic strength via dynamometry at 180°/s. After 60 days, the MembraSport group showed a statistically significant reduction in joint pain (p=0.049 at rest; p=0.009 during physical activity), a significant improvement in WOMAC functional capacity scores (p=0.003), and a significant improvement in quality of life (p=0.017). Isokinetic parameters consistently favored the MembraSport group, with a notable reduction in the fatigue index (−3.16% vs. +2.45% in placebo), greater gains in total work (+145.28 J vs. +95.87 J), and improvements in peak torque, suggesting enhanced muscular endurance and joint function. Both groups significantly improved average power, reflecting ongoing physical activity benefits. No adverse events were reported, confirming an excellent safety profile. These findings demonstrate that daily supplementation with 500 mg of eggshell membrane for 60 days is a safe and effective complementary approach that significantly improves pain perception, functional capacity, and quality of life, while also showing consistent improvements across all isokinetic performance parameters in recreationally active adults with joint pain.
VL  - 14
IS  - 2
ER  -

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