Bone marrow has been a nutritious and healthy food for humans throughout history. Especially for those on a Carnivore Diet, bone marrow is important as it is rich in collagen, healthy fats, fat-soluble vitamins, and compounds like glycine and glucosamine that support energy, immunity, hormones, and joint health. Unlike plant-based superfoods, bone marrow provides nutrients your body can absorb and use immediately. Let’s find out bone marrow nutrition facts per 100 g, learn about its significance in the Carnivore Diet, its benefits and potential risks, and the best ways to prepare and enjoy it.
Highlights
What Is Bone Marrow and Why Carnivores Love It
Bone marrow is the soft, fatty tissue inside animal bones, such as beef femur, shank, and knuckle bones. Our meat-eating ancestors cracked bones to get to this precious fat, long before hunting tools were developed.
Today, bone marrow is being rediscovered by those who follow Keto, Paleo, and especially Carnivore diets, who want nose-to-tail nutrition and a way to get natural fats without relying on dairy or added oils.
Carnivores love bone marrow because it is a nutrient-dense animal-based food that provides energy, essential fats, collagen, and rare micronutrients.
There are two types of marrow: red marrow, which is responsible for blood cell production, and yellow marrow, which is mostly fat and what we consume.
For carnivores, this yellow marrow is a pure fat source, which can be added to protein-heavy meals like steak or lean roasts to balance the macronutrients.
After finding the right balance, you need to source macros from high-quality sources like bone marrow. So, let’s check bone marrow nutrition facts and learn why it is considered a high-quality fat source.
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Bone Marrow Nutrition Facts
Bone marrow is mostly fat with small amounts of protein and almost zero carbohydrates. This makes it a perfect fit for Carnivore Diet macros, especially if you are looking to increase fat intake for energy, satiety, or to avoid protein overconsumption, which can lead to rabbit starvation.
The table below shows bone marrow nutrition facts in 100 grams of roasted beef bone marrow [1]:
Nutrient
Amount (per 100g)
Carnivore Benefits
Calories
~770 kcal
Energy-dense fuel
Protein
7 g
Supports collagen, tissue repair
Fat
84 g
Primary energy source on the Carnivore Diet
Carbohydrates
0 g
Zero-carb, ketosis-friendly
Omega-3
~700 mg
Anti-inflammatory
Omega-6
~1.3 g
Essential fatty acids
Vitamin A
40 mcg
Eye, skin, and immune support
Vitamin K2
Trace
Bone and artery health
Vitamin E
Small amounts
Antioxidant protection
Iron
0.8 mg
Red blood cell function
Phosphorus
7 mg
Bone strength
Zinc
0.1 mg
Immunity, testosterone
Selenium
2 mcg
Antioxidant, thyroid support
Collagen and Glycine
High
Gut and joint repair
The bone marrow nutrition facts that matter the most for those on a Carnivore Diet are as follows.
Bone marrow provides energy and contains healing compounds without any plant toxins, antinutrients, or carbohydrates. The most important bone marrow nutrition facts for those on a Carnivore Diet include [2]:
Fat-to-protein balance that helps you avoid lean protein fatigue.
Zero carbohydrates that make bone marrow 100% Carnivore-friendly.
Nose-to-tail compounds like collagen, glycine, and CLA that support gut health, joint repair, and restful sleep.
Fat-soluble vitamins like A and K2 that support bone and arterial health.
Healthy fats that are the main energy source on a Carnivore Diet. Marrow provides a clean, natural fat that keeps you in ketosis.
Easy digestibility of bone marrow helps those with sensitive digestion because it is soothing and rarely causes issues.
Versatility that makes bone marrow a nutritious and delicious addition to steaks, roasts, or organ meats.
These features, in addition to the health benefits of bone marrow, make it a real superfood.
Health Benefits of Bone Marrow
Bone marrow provides benefits that muscle meat alone cannot provide, including:
Supporting Joint and Connective Tissue Health
Marrow contains collagen, glucosamine, and glycine, which help strengthen cartilage and reduce joint inflammation. For heavy lifters and athletes on Carnivore, marrow broth or roasted marrow can ease recovery [3] [4] [5].
Marrow is rich in glycine, which can improve sleep quality and calm the nervous system. It also helps strengthen the gut lining, which is important for carnivores transitioning into a low-carb diet [6] [7].
Balancing High-Protein Meals
If most of your Carnivore meals are steak, they may lack enough fat. Adding marrow helps reach an optimal fat-to-protein ratio (about 70:30 for most carnivores), which keeps energy stable and avoids gluconeogenesis from too much protein [8].
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Providing Micronutrients Missing in Muscle Meat
While not as vitamin-rich as liver, marrow contains fat-soluble vitamins (A, K2, E) and minerals like zinc and selenium, complementing other organ meats and muscle meats in a nose-to-tail diet [9].
Hormonal Balance
The cholesterol and fat content in bone marrow help support sex hormones and adrenal function, which is vital when you limit carbohydrate intake [10] [11].
Zinc, selenium, and fatty acids in bone marrow help boost immunity, improve immune function, and speed recovery after workouts [12] [13].
So, do these health benefits mean bone marrow is safe for everyone, and it causes no health risks?
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Bone Marrow Risks and Cautions for Carnivores
Bone marrow is generally safe for most people, but as a Carnivore Diet follower, you should keep these points in mind:
Calorie Density: 100 g is almost 800 calories, mostly fat. If weight loss is your goal, don’t overuse bone marrow.
Micronutrient Limitations: Marrow is lower in B vitamins and iron than liver or kidney. So, it should complement, not replace, organ meats.
Potential Contaminants: Bone broth can contain trace heavy metals like lead, though marrow itself has minimal risk. It is best to use bone marrow from grass-fed, pasture-raised animals.
Cholesterol Concerns: High cholesterol intake can be problematic for certain individuals with familial hypercholesterolemia. Most carnivores find that their lipid profile stabilizes, but it is good to monitor your cholesterol levels [14] [15].
While marrow is high in fat and collagen, it is not a major source of vitamins compared to liver or eggs. Also, considering its potential health risks, especially for those trying to lose weight, it is wise to use marrow as a side dish or supplement, not your main food source.
Bone Marrow vs. Other Carnivore Main Foods
The following table compares bone marrow nutrition facts with other commonly used Carnivore foods (per 100 g):
Food
Calories
Protein
Fat
Key Nutrients
Benefit for Carnivore
Bone Marrow
786 kcal
7 g
84 g
Collagen, glycine, and fat-soluble vitamins
Fat and joint support
Beef Liver
135 kcal
20 g
3.6 g
Vitamin A, B12, folate, iron
Rich in micronutrients
Beef Kidney
97 kcal
17 g
3 g
Selenium, B vitamins
Thyroid and detox support
Ribeye Steak
291 kcal
24 g
21 g
Protein, zinc, creatine
Protein and fat balance
Bone Broth
35 kcal
9 g
0.5 g
Collagen, electrolytes
Hydration and gut health
As you can see, marrow is a rich source of fat, liver and kidney are rich in vitamins and minerals, and bone both helps hydration and connective tissues. Together, they create a complete nose-to-tail approach.
Bone marrow nutrition facts and health benefits make it a superfood, especially for those following low-carb animal-based diets like Carnivore and Keto.
It is a natural fat source, collagen booster, and nutrient-rich addition that complements lean muscle meats and organs.
While it shouldn’t replace liver or other organs or be considered the main food, marrow can pair well with meat dishes and help increase energy and support gut-healing and connective tissue.
You can add grass-fed, high-quality bone marrow to your Carnivore Diet meal plan and use it roasted, whipped into marrow butter, or simmered into broth.
FAQs
Let’s answer the most frequently asked questions about bone marrow nutrition facts.
Can You Eat Bone Marrow Every Day?
Yes, but it should be part of a balanced meal plan to not imbalance your macronutrient ratio. Use it with organs and muscle meats.
Is Bone Marrow Carnivore-Friendly?
Yes, it is 100% animal-based and fits into Keto-Carnivore macros.
Is Marrow Better than Bone Broth?
They are different. Marrow provides dense fat and nutrients, but broth gives hydration and electrolytes. You can use both.
How Much Marrow Should I Eat?
It depends on your health status and Carnivore goals. Generally, 1–2 tablespoons per day is plenty for most, unless you are trying to increase fat intake significantly.
Does Bone Marrow Help with Skin and Joints?
Yes, bone marrow contains collagen, glycine, and glucosamine that support connective tissues and skin elasticity.
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