The eggshell contains two membranes. One is on the surface where it is adjacent to the egg white. This is called the inner membrane. There is an air gap in the shower of the inner membrane. It has an outer membrane on it.

Eggshell membrane and collagen support

Let’s get to know the egg

Eggs are easily accessible, quickly prepared, and a very good food source. Egg yolk is a source of fat, white is a source of protein, and its shell is a source of minerals. In addition, the yolk contains vitamins A, D, E, K, B2, B6 and B9, while the white contains vitamins B1, B2, B9 and B12.



Thanks to the xanthophyll pigment it contains, the egg plays a role in reducing the risk of cancer and preventing the formation of cataracts. Protein content supports brain development in children, strengthens memory. It supports muscle development. Contributes to liver functions with its choline content. It has antioxidant properties with its selenium content. It also supports the immune system with its amino acid content and protects against infections.

Structure of the egg 

Egg mainly consists of yellow part (28%), white part (62%) and shell part (10%).

  • Egg yolk: In addition to its high nutritional value, it is necessary for the reproduction of chickens. It nourishes the embryo. The shade of yellow color changes according to the feeding habits of the chicken. It is separated from the egg white by a membrane called the vitelline membrane. 100 g of egg yolk contains 27 grams of total fat (10 grams of saturated fat), 3.6 grams of carbohydrates (0.6 grams of sugar), and its total caloric value is 321 kcal.
  • Egg white: Located between the egg yolk and the egg shell. It is known as egg albumin. It is attached to both the yolk and the shell by ligaments. These bonds keep the egg yolk suspended. 100 g of egg white contains 0.2 grams of total fat (no saturated fat), 0.7 grams of carbohydrates (all sugar), and its total caloric value is 51 kcal.
  • Eggshell: Protects the yolk and white of the egg. Small holes (pores) on its surface both meet the air and water needs and act as a shield against external factors and microorganisms. An egg has an average of 10 thousand pores. Shell color may differ according to the breed of chickens. However, there is no nutritional difference between white or yellow eggs.

The eggshell contains two membranes. One is on the surface where it is adjacent to the egg white. This is called the inner membrane. There is an air gap in the shower of the inner membrane. It has an outer membrane on it.



Almost all egg shells contain calcium carbonate. It contains small amounts of magnesium carbonate and calcium phosphate. If the chicken is fed with calcium sources with large particles (such as limestone), the calcium content of the egg shell will be higher, thus a harder shell will be formed and the yield will increase.

Calcium is an important mineral that is necessary for the protection of bones, the functioning of muscles, the expansion of blood vessels, and the production of hormones. If it cannot be taken in sufficient amount, the body tries to meet its calcium need from the stores in the bones. This can result in osteoporosis. Calcium requirement is about 1200 mg per day for an average adult. This need is usually met from milk and dairy products, nuts, green leafy vegetables. Eggshell contains 94% calcium carbonate. In other words, it can be said that a single eggshell can contain an average of 2000 mg of calcium. This value is more than an adult’s daily intake. Daily calcium need can be met by pulverizing an egg shell that has been produced properly and ensured that there are no infectious agents such as salmonella.

The air gap in the egg is important. If this gap is small, it means the egg is fresh. As the egg waits, the air gap grows. This is the reason why stale eggs put in salty water come to the surface.

Eggs have been used as staple foods such as meat and milk for thousands of years. However, recently, the usage areas of the egg shell have also developed. It is no longer thrown into municipal solid waste collection centers as a waste material. Due to the minerals it contains, it is used in feed production to support the bone development of animals. However, due to the risk of carrying salmonella bacteria, it is subjected to some special processes. Apart from this, its use in many fields such as plant production, paper production, paint industry, composite filling material production is developing.

Contents of eggshell membrane

Structurally, it consists of protein, ash and glucose. Some components of the eggshell membrane are:

  • Collagen (used in cosmetic products),
  • Sialic acid (part of the immune system, which prevents the development of autoimmune diseases in which the body attacks its own cells),
  • Lysozyme (an enzyme that breaks down the bacterial cell wall, an important part of the immune system),
  • Beta-N acetyl glucosaminidase (part of the immune system, also an indicator of kidney damage),
  • Lysine (one of the essential amino acids, calcium absorption, production of muscle proteins, supports the healing process after surgical procedures or injuries, takes part in the synthesis of some immune system cells),
  • Proline (one of the essential amino acids, protects joints, prevents cardiovascular diseases, collagen production, synthesis of some immune cells, supports tissue healing),
  • Alanine (an amino acid that contributes to liver functions, is involved in the production of energy from sugar, and helps protect muscles during intense physical activity),
  • Cysteine (an amino acid that has antioxidant activity, supports the production of collagen, plays a role in the protection of the liver, gastrointestinal tract and muscle development),
  • Phenylalanine (an amino acid that plays a role in the synthesis of many proteins, its deficiency causes depression, loss of appetite, eating disorders, etc.),
  • Dermatan sulfate (it is a glycosaminoglycan that has functions on blood coagulation, contributes to the transparency of the cornea in the eye, and acts on the vascular muscles),
  • Chondroitin sulphate (it is a glycosaminoglycan that has an effect on the cartilage tissue in the joints, holding the fibers together),
  • Hyaluronic acid (it is a glycosaminoglycan that plays a role in cell development and wound repair, gives lubrication to the joints and increases resistance to impacts),
  • Keratan sulfate (a glycosaminoglycan that acts on cartilage tissue in joints together with chondroitin sulfate, holding the fibers together).

What is collagen support? 

Collagen is one of the important proteins for the body. It gives flexibility to the skin, increases the body’s resistance to external factors, and is necessary for bone and muscle tissue. It reduces the risk of cellulite formation. It supports digestion. It facilitates joint movements. It shortens the wound healing time.

There are 19 different types of collagen. Type 1 collagen is essential for tendons and skin. Type 2 collagen is essential for cartilage tissues. Type 5 collagen is a necessary protein for the cell membrane, hair and placenta, and type 10 collagen is a necessary protein for joints. In the absence of collagen, hair breaks easily, wrinkles occur on the skin, joint pain and weakness in the muscles can be seen.

The body’s need for collagen can be met with natural foods. Meat and bone broth are rich in type 1 and type 2 collagen. Some vegetables and fruits, garlic, beans can be useful in meeting the need for collagen in foods. However, in some diseases, when the collagen taken from natural foods is insufficient, supplementary products may be needed.

Eggshell membrane is a rich source of collagen in type 1, type 5 and type 10 forms. It can be an important source in meeting the need for type 5 and type 10 collagen, which cannot be obtained from rich collagen sources such as meat and bone broth. In rheumatic diseases, joint and muscle diseases, in order to delay aging, the egg membrane shell can meet the need for collagen and other glycosaminoglycans such as hyaluronic acid in hair care. However, it is useful to use these products, which require much more research, under the recommendation and follow-up of the physician.

Use of eggshell membrane 

Eggshell membrane is used in many fields. However, separation of the membrane requires special handling. It is thought that the egg membrane market, which is put into use in various fields after undergoing these processes, is approximately 125 million USD and it grows by about 10% each year.



Usage areas of egg shell membrane:

  • Food supplement : It is used in the production of calcium tablets containing strontium, fluorine, and selenium.
  • Production of medical equipment: It is used in bandages, band-aids, surgical implants due to the collagen substance.
  • Therapeutic : It is used in drugs used to prevent osteoporosis and in tissue generation. It finds use in burns and metal poisoning. It is used in wound healing due to its effect on immune system cells.
  • Antibacterial activity : The antibacterial activity of the ovocalyxin-36 protein it contains is utilized. It contributes to wound healing. It helps in gastrointestinal diseases.
  • Cosmetic products : It can be used as face mask, face wash gel, face cream, toothpaste and tooth polish.
  • Anti-aging : It is used in the personal care and cosmetic industry with its anti-aging feature. It is used as a cream and moisturizer for its anti-wrinkle effect.
  • Support for bones : Substances such as collagen, hyaluronic acid, chondroidin sulfate increase bone density. It is used as a supportive treatment in osteoarthritis (joint calcification) disease. It supports the mobility and flexibility of the joints.
  • Pet food : It is used in foods for bone development and support in pets.

Conclusion 

Egg shell membrane is a new product that was started to be used mainly for the evaluation of egg wastes, and later evaluated and put into use because of its content. The products offered for use and used in the treatment of diseases are support products, not drugs. It should be noted that these are new products and that much more work needs to be done on their effectiveness.

There are many products on the market under the name of egg shell membrane. When purchasing these products, it is necessary to pay attention to whether they have permission from official institutions. Although market audits are carried out regularly by official institutions, products that are overlooked, put on the market in different ways, and sold electronically without supervision can give worse results for your health.

You should definitely use these products with expert advice and follow-up. It may be harmful to stop using the products you use with the advice of an expert for your disease and start them. Sometimes, these products may interact with other drugs you use due to their active ingredient or additives. It can reduce the effectiveness of your main treatment and develop side effects. Therefore, use it in consultation with your doctor.

 

 


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