Natural Eggshell Membrane (NEM®)
Natural Eggshell Membrane (NEM®) is a new effective and safe therapeutic option for the treatment of pain and inflexibility associated with joint and connective tissue disorders. In a study, supplementation with NEM, 500 mg taken daily significantly reduced pain in a matter of day. It also provided continuous relief.
Eggshell membrane is the lining left behind in the shell when you crack open an egg. It’s the protective barrier between the egg white and the mineralised eggshell. is primarily composed of fibrous proteins such as collagen type I. However, eggshell membranes also contain glycosaminoglycans, such as dermatan sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, and hyaluronic acid, and sulfated glycoproteins, including hexosamines such as glucosamine.
NEM supplements are expensive, but you can manually peel away the membrane from the shell. The membranes can be dried, or you can just eat them or put in a smoothie.
- Collagen (Type 1) is a fibrous protein that supports cartilage and connective tissue strength and elasticity.
- Elastin is a protein that supports skin, cartilage, cardiovascular and spinal health, giving tissue its elasticity.
- Glycosaminoglycans includes glucosamine, chondroitin, and hyaluronic acid, all structural components of connective tissue, interstitial fluids, and skeletal structure.
- Transforming growth factor-b is a protein that plays a crucial role in cellular differentiation and immune function.
- Desmosine and isodesmosine are two little-known amino acids responsible for elastins elastic properties.
Getting hold of NEM
Natural eggshell membrane can be taken in supplement tablet form. It's widely available but you should try and go for an organic source. Natural eggshell membrane can also be harvested at home from egg shells that have been cracked open.