What are the functions and benefits of fish bladder?

Aug 06, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Yu Yongchao

Introduction

Under normal circumstances, fish swim bladders, as the air bladders inside fish, are both an ingredient and a traditional Chinese medicine. Their functions and effects mainly include providing nutrition, nourishing the skin, strengthening muscles and bones, promoting wound healing, and assisting in regulating physical weakness. When consuming fish swim bladders, it is recommended to choose fresh ones, clean them thoroughly, and then cook them by stewing, braising, or other suitable methods.

Generally, fish swim bladders, as both a food ingredient and a traditional Chinese medicine, offer various health benefits including nutritional supplementation, skin nourishment, strengthening muscles and bones, promoting wound healing, and assisting in regulating physical weakness. The specific analysis is as follows:

1. Nutritional Supplementation: Fish swim bladders are rich in high-quality protein, multiple amino acids, and minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, and iron. These nutrients are essential components of human cells and tissues, providing energy and nutritional support to help maintain normal physiological metabolism and body functions.

2. Skin Nourishment: Fish swim bladders contain abundant collagen, a protein that helps maintain skin elasticity and luster, reducing the formation of wrinkles. Moderate consumption can nourish the skin and help maintain its appearance.

3. Strengthen Muscles and Bones: The proteins, calcium, phosphorus, and other components in fish swim bladders benefit bone and joint health by promoting bone growth and repair, enhancing bone flexibility and strength. These nutrients also help maintain normal joint function and may aid individuals with weak muscles and bones.

4. Promote Wound Healing: High-quality proteins and various amino acids found in fish swim bladders serve as important raw materials for synthesizing tissue proteins in the body. They accelerate tissue repair and regeneration, thus speeding up wound healing. For patients recovering from surgery or injuries, moderate consumption can aid physical recovery.

5. Assist in Regulating Physical Weakness: In traditional food therapy, fish swim bladders are believed to have nourishing properties and are suitable for individuals with weak constitutions, chronic fatigue, or symptoms such as soreness and weakness in the waist and knees. Consumption may help replenish essential nutrients, enhance physical strength, and improve general weakness.

When consuming fish swim bladders, it is recommended to choose fresh ones, clean them thoroughly, and cook them by stewing, braising, or other suitable methods. Due to their relatively high cholesterol content, they should not be consumed in excess, especially for individuals needing to manage cholesterol intake, for whom moderate consumption is advised.

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Is fish bladder helpful for postoperative recovery?

In general, fish bladder can be beneficial for postoperative recovery, but it should be consumed in moderation. Fish bladder is a food rich in collagen, protein, and minerals such as calcium and phosphorus. Collagen helps promote tissue repair, and protein is an essential nutrient required for body recovery. Moderate consumption of fish bladder can provide nutritional support for the body after surgery, aiding in wound healing and physical recovery.

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Does fish bladder help in children's development?

In general, fish bladder can be beneficial to children's development, but attention should be paid to moderate consumption and cooking methods. Fish bladder is rich in collagen, protein, and minerals such as calcium and phosphorus, which are essential nutrients for children's growth and development. Among these, protein is the basic substance for building body cells and helps in the growth of tissues such as muscles and bones in children.