Bone Marrow Nutrition Facts: Knowing the Carnivore Superfood

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.

Bone Marrow Nutrition Facts: Knowing the Carnivore Superfood
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.

To find the right balance of macros, you can use this free Carnivore Macro Calculator or consult Carnivore Doctors.

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.

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]:

NutrientAmount (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.

Learn More: The Carnivore Diet Meal Plan PDF to Lose Weight, Heal & More

[cta-gocarnivore-plans]

Why Bone Marrow Fits into the Carnivore Diet

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.

Bone Marrow Nutrition Facts

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].

Learn More: Is Pepperoni Good for You on a Carnivore Diet?

Helping Sleep and Gut Health

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].

[cta-meetings]

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].

Learn More: Carnivore Diet Results: #1 Way To Get Faster Results!

Immunity and Recovery

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?

[cta-meal-plan]

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].

Learn How to Lower Cholesterol on Carnivore Diet? 10 Approved Ways

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):

FoodCaloriesProteinFatKey NutrientsBenefit 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.

Learn More: Chicken Broth on Carnivore Diet with 3 Simple Ingredients

Bone Marrow Nutrition Facts

The Best Ways to Eat Bone Marrow on the Carnivore Diet

The best bone marrow sources you can use on a Carnivore Diet are:

  • Grass-fed beef femur bones (long bones with thick marrow)
  • Shank and knuckle bones (for both marrow and broth)
  • Canoe-cut bones (split lengthwise)

After finding high-quality bone marrow, you can use the following Carnivore Diet recipes and make yummy and nutritious Carnivore meals:

Roasted Marrow Bones

  1. Roast at 220°C (425°F) for 15–20 minutes.
  2. Scoop marrow and eat alone or with steak.

Learn More: The Bone Broth Diet: Meal Plan and How to Do

Marrow Butter

  1. Whip roasted marrow with beef tallow and salt.
  2. Use it as a fat topping for ribeye or burger patties.

Carnivore Broth

  1. Simmer bones 12–24 hours.
  2. Drink the resulting beverage as is or use it as a base for meat stews.

Bone Marrow with Ground Beef

  1. Mix softened marrow into ground beef.
  2. Make burgers with extra fat and flavor.

Raw Bone Marrow

Some advanced carnivores eat high-quality marrow raw for maximum enzymes and freshness. Make sure to buy it from trusted sources.

Learn More: 10 Easy Carnivore Diet Recipes for Beginners and Experts

[cta-shop-products]

Bone Marrow Tips

  • Refrigerate raw bones up to 5 days or freeze them up to 6 months.
  • Roasted marrow should be eaten within 24 hours.
  • Pair marrow with leaner cuts like sirloin, venison, and chicken breast.

Who Should Eat More Bone Marrow on a Carnivore Diet?

  • High-Protein Carnivores: If you eat mostly lean cuts like chicken breast or sirloin, marrow provides extra fat to balance your macros.
  • Athletes and Weight Lifters: Bone marrow helps recovery due to containing collagen and glycine.
  • Carnivore Beginners: Bone marrow eases transition by boosting satiety and gut support.
  • Low-Energy Carnivores: If you feel sluggish on the Carnivore Diet, marrow fat can boost your energy.

Who Should Be Cautious about Eating Bone Marrow?

  • Weight Loss Seekers: Use smaller amounts because marrow is calorie-dense.
  • Those with Lipid Concerns: Monitor your cholesterol markers.

Learn More: Cheese on Carnivore Diet: Benefits, Risks, and Best Choices

[cta-course-fatloss]

Final Thoughts

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.

Similar Posts

Recent Recipes

Meet Rina | Founder Of The Primal

The Primal is your ultimate resource for the ketogenic diet—helping you lose weight, heal chronic disease, and take back your health, all for free!

Founded by Rina Ahluwalia, a health expert with 20+ years of experience and host of The Primal Podcast (on YouTube, Spotify & Apple Podcasts), we bring you weekly in depth conversations with board-certified doctors on topics like insulin resistance, cancer prevention, heart disease, and more.

Everything we share is backed by research and published on The Primal Lab, with references, books, tools, and easy-to-follow guides. Plus, you’ll find thousands of free articles, blog posts, recipes, and troubleshooting tips at ThePrimal.com to help you succeed on Carnivore and Keto.
👉 Subscribe to The Primal Podcast on YouTube or join our mailing list using the below form for the latest health insights—straight to your inbox!

Monthly Carnivore Challenges
Join