A Critical Look at Dr. Kellyann and Her Wellness Empire - 33rd Square (2024)

Who is Dr. Kellyann?

Dr. Kellyann Petrucci is a board-certified naturopathic doctor and certified nutrition consultant who has built an extensive wellness empire around bone broth diets and collagen supplements. She promotes herself as a women‘s health expert focusing on natural weight loss, anti-aging, and overcoming chronic illnesses with "real food" solutions.

Dr. Kellyann first garnered mainstream attention over a decade ago with her New York Times best-selling book "Dr. Kellyann‘s Bone Broth Diet." As you likely guessed from the name, the diet centered heavily around sipping bone broth for quick weight loss results. Since then, she has expanded her line to include collagen supplements, protein bars, detox cleanse kits, and more.

A Closer Look at Two of Dr. Kellyann‘s Star Products

Out of Dr. Kellyann‘s wide range of wellness products, her proprietary bone broth packets and collagen peptides seem to be the most popular with customers. Let‘s analyze the purported benefits of these items specifically.

Dr. Kellyann‘s Bone Broth

Dr. Kellyann markets her boxed bone broth packets as superior sources of protein, collagen, and amino acids for supporting gut health, youthful skin, joint lubrication, and even weight management. She claims the broth is made from high quality, grass-fed bovine bones and contains no added sugars or preservatives.

The science around bone broth is still emerging, but some preliminary research does suggest beneficial bioactive compounds for reducing inflammation and protecting cartilage. However, the quality of the bones and the cooking methods matter greatly. There is also limited evidence directly linking broth consumption to meaningful weight loss or anti-aging effects.

Furthermore, nutrition experts caution that while bone broth can be a great addition to a healthy diet, it should not replace balanced meals heavy in vegetables, fiber and plant-based protein sources. Relying solely on bone broth can lead to nutritional deficiencies long-term.

Dr. Kellyann Collagen Peptides

In addition to bone broth, Dr. Kellyann heavily promotes collagen supplements across her product line. She sells a proprietary collagen peptides powder that promises youthful skin, joint support, injury recovery, and improved digestion when mixed into drinks daily.

As we age, our bodies‘ natural collagen production begins to slow, so in theory, getting collagen from supplemental sources could help fill that gap. There is also some preliminary evidence showing collagen peptide supplements may improve skin elasticity and moisturization.

However, more research is still needed on optimal daily collagen doses and absorption rates from supplements. There is also minimal regulation around supplement quality and sourcing. So customers would need to trust Dr. Kellyann‘s brand specifically to provide what‘s advertised.

An Inside Look at Dr. Kellyann‘s 5-Day Cleanse Kit

One of Dr. Kellyann‘s most popular offerings is her 5-Day Cleanse and Reset Kit designed to "slim your body and reset metabolism" through an intense short-term detox. The $310 cleanse kit includes bone broth packets, collagen supplements, protein smoothies and vitamin-fortified lemon drink mixes.

Over the 5 days, customers replace normal meals with these liquid products while limiting themselves to around 700 calories per day. Dr. Kellyann claims doing so will eliminate bloat, rebalance gut flora, turn the body into a "fat-burning machine" and cause users to lose 10+ pounds quickly.

However, registered dietitians strongly advise against such extreme short-term diets. Cutting calories so drastically can slow the metabolism long-term and cause rebound weight gain. It can also lead to fatigue, headaches, nutrient deficiencies and disordered eating patterns.

While Dr. Kellyann‘s cleanse kit provides some protein, it would be severely lacking in balanced nutrition needed for health over more than a few days. Any weight lost is likely to be regained as soon as users start eating regular meals again.

For safe, sustainable weight and gut health improvements, most nutrition experts instead recommend long-term lifestyle changes like reducing processed foods, drinking more water, managing stress levels, and increasing activity levels.

The Pros and Cons of Dr. Kellyann‘s Products

Based on the available evidence regarding bone broth diets and collagen supplements specifically, here is an overview of some potential upsides as well as concerning downsides of Dr. Kellyann‘s product line:

Potential Pros

• Bone broth and collagen supplements are relatively low-risk compared to medications
• Preliminary evidence suggests beneficial compounds for skin, joints, immunity
• Reviews suggest many customers enjoy taste/experience
• Provides some protein; can complement balanced healthy diet

Potential Cons

• Lack of regulation and third-party testing for purity, safety, ingredients
• No evidence to support claims of meaningful weight loss, anti-aging effects
• Downplays importance of full, balanced nutrition for health
• Cleanse kits take extreme, likely ineffective and unsafe approach
• Relatively expensive; subscriptions around $50-60 per month

Expert Opinions on Collagen Supplements and Bone Broth Diets

Given the increasing popularity of bone broth and collagen products, what do independent health experts make of these wellness trends? Here are some key thoughts:

“There is preliminary evidence that the collagen peptides found abundantly in bone broth may provide some skin, joint, and immunity benefits. However, the quality of research is still low, with minimal evidence to support any miracles being promised. I advise focusing first on overall healthy nutrition and sufficient protein intake through a balanced whole foods diet."

• Dr. Michelle Seger, MS, RD, CDN

"Bone broth enjoyment traces back thousands of years across many cultures, so when prepared properly with high quality ingredients, it can be a great addition to the diet for some extra protein and nutrients. However, companies selling quick fix solutions using bone broth or collagen supplements for substantial weight loss, anti-aging, or disease recovery should raise some red flags for consumers.”

• Dr. John Kaiser, MD

"Extreme short-term diets that cut calories or food groups excessively rarely lead to lasting weight loss and often do more harm than good by disrupting normal metabolic function. For safe, sustainable improvements in body composition and wellness, I advise focusing on incremental lifestyle changes that support whole body health over the long haul.”

• Kara Lydon, RDN, LDN

So in summary, bone broth and collagen likely won’t live up to all the lofty promises of the wellness influencers – but enjoying the occasional bone broth-based soup certainly won’t hurt you either. Moderation and skepticism is key when evaluating product claims.

What Customers Have to Say About Dr. Kellyann‘s Products

Scouring external review sites beyond the Dr. Kellyann website itself shows mixed customer experiences, but overall mostly positive sentiment. Here is a brief summary:

The collagen peptides, bone broth packets and protein bars tend to get ratings around 4/5 stars on average. Happy reviewers praise the taste, convenience, and noticeable improvements in energy, skin, nails and joints.

However, about 20-30% of less satisfied reviewers complain the products did little for them despite religious use. And a small handful cite mild stomach discomfort or reactions as well.

Opinions on the 5-day cleanse kit lean more negative – averaging around just 3/5 stars. While some praise substantial short-term weight loss from the very low calorie plan, even happy reviewers concede they regained weight quickly after reintroducing normal food. Most reviewers call the cleanse unpleasant, unsustainably restrictive and not worth the high cost.

So individual experiences seem hit or miss – not surprising given the limited evidence backing lofty supplement claims. Interested consumers should take sweeping promises with a grain of salt.

Healthier Alternatives to Support Wellness Goals

While bone broth and collagen supplements seem relatively safe for most in moderation, those hoping for dramatic anti-aging, weight loss and wellness benefits will likely need to look beyond Dr. Kellyann’s expensive product line. Here are some healthier, more sustainable ideas to consider instead:

• Balanced nutrition – Focus on getting sufficient protein, fiber and nutrients from whole food sources like lentils, nuts, produce, eggs and lean meats.
• Lifestyle habits – Improve gut health and manage weight through daily movement, adequate sleep, hydration, and stress relief practices like yoga, meditation or journaling.
• Topical collagen – Research shows collagen applied directly to the skin in lotions and serums can temporarily improve elasticity, wrinkles and hydration depth.
• Time-restricted eating – Alternate fasting and eating windows has shown promise for reducing inflammation and body fat percentages in some studies.

Small sustainable changes to nutrition, activity levels, sleep and stress management will serve most people far better than any "detoxifying" wellness products with big claims and price tags.

The Bottom Line: Should You Buy Dr. Kellyann‘s Products?

Dr. Kellyann has clearly tapped into multiple lucrative markets by heavily promoting bone broth and collagen as anti-aging superfoods. And to her credit, some research does suggest minor benefits – so her products could complement an already healthy lifestyle for some added protein and nutrients.

However, based on the evidence available, her line is unlikely to produce miraculous health improvements on its own. Consumers with limited budgets should think twice before signing up for subscriptions with lofty promises that dietitians and doctors view with appropriate skepticism. Moderation and balanced nutrition remains key for overall wellness and safe weight management over the long haul.

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