Bozeman Broths: Altitude Lies Burning Baby Lungs?

By Franklin Everett Shaw

May 28, 2026

The promise of homemade bone broth, simmered with love and packed with nutrients, is alluring, especially for new parents. But before you reach for that simmering pot of Bozeman Broth for your little one in Denver, let’s pump the brakes. The Rocky Mountain high, combined with potential sourcing and processing issues, demands a closer look at bone broth safety for infants.

Bone broth, essentially stock made from simmering animal bones and connective tissues, is touted for its collagen, amino acids, and minerals. While generally considered safe for adults, infants are a different story. Their developing systems are far more vulnerable to contaminants and imbalances.

Let’s start with the altitude. Denver sits at 5,280 feet above sea level, significantly higher than Bozeman, Montana (around 4,800 feet). While the difference might seem negligible, altitude affects cooking times and nutrient concentration. Water boils at a lower temperature at higher altitudes, potentially impacting the extraction of nutrients and the breakdown of harmful bacteria during broth preparation. This means that a recipe perfectly safe in Bozeman might not be adequately sterilized in Denver.

Now, consider the bones themselves. Where are these bones coming from? Are they sourced from animals raised in Montana, or are they sourced from other states with potentially different agricultural practices and environmental regulations? Montana, while generally pristine, isn’t immune to environmental contamination. Historical mining activities, particularly in areas surrounding Butte and Anaconda, have left a legacy of heavy metal contamination in the soil and water. While the EPA has implemented Superfund programs to address these issues, the potential for heavy metals like lead, arsenic, and cadmium to accumulate in animal bones remains a concern.

The EPA’s Region 8, which includes Montana and Colorado, has specific regulations regarding acceptable levels of contaminants in water and soil. However, these regulations don’t directly address the potential for bioaccumulation in livestock bones used for bone broth. This is a critical gap. We need to know if the animals whose bones end up in Bozeman Broths are regularly tested for heavy metal accumulation, and if those tests meet a standard appropriate for infant consumption.

Infants are particularly vulnerable to heavy metal toxicity. Even low levels of exposure can impair neurological development, affect kidney function, and increase the risk of certain cancers later in life. Lead, for example, can cross the blood-brain barrier and interfere with brain development, leading to learning disabilities and behavioral problems. Arsenic exposure has been linked to developmental delays and increased risk of respiratory infections.

So, what can parents in Denver do to ensure the safety of bone broth for their babies? First, exercise extreme caution with commercially prepared bone broths, especially those sourced from outside Colorado. Contact the manufacturer directly and ask specific questions about their sourcing practices, heavy metal testing protocols, and sterilization procedures. Don’t accept vague answers. Demand to see lab reports and certifications. If they can’t provide them, steer clear.

Second, consider making your own bone broth at home. This gives you complete control over the ingredients and preparation process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to minimizing risk:

1. Source your bones carefully. Look for organic, grass-fed bones from local farms you trust. Ideally, visit the farm and ask about their animal husbandry practices and environmental testing. In Colorado, look for farms in areas less likely to be affected by historical mining activities, such as the eastern plains.
2. Blanch the bones. Before simmering, blanch the bones in boiling water for 10-15 minutes. This helps to remove impurities and reduce the risk of contamination.
3. Use filtered water. Denver’s tap water is generally safe, but using a high-quality water filter can further reduce the risk of contaminants.
4. Simmer for an appropriate amount of time. At Denver’s altitude, you may need to simmer the broth for a longer period to ensure adequate sterilization. Aim for at least 24 hours for chicken bones and 48 hours for beef bones.
5. Skim the scum. During the simmering process, a layer of scum will form on the surface of the broth. Skim this off regularly, as it contains impurities and potential contaminants.
6. Cool and store properly. Cool the broth quickly in an ice bath to prevent bacterial growth. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
7. Test the broth (optional). For added peace of mind, you can send a sample of your homemade broth to a certified laboratory for heavy metal testing. This can be expensive, but it may be worth it if you have concerns about potential contamination.

A common mistake is assuming that all bone broth is created equal. It’s not. Another pitfall is relying solely on the “organic” label. While organic certification is a good start, it doesn’t guarantee the absence of heavy metals.

Another challenge is the lack of specific regulations regarding heavy metal levels in bone broth intended for infant consumption. The FDA has guidelines for heavy metals in drinking water and certain foods, but these guidelines may not be stringent enough for infants, who are more vulnerable to the effects of these toxins.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to give bone broth to your baby is a personal one. However, it’s crucial to make an informed decision based on the best available evidence. In high-altitude environments like Denver, and with the potential for sourcing and processing issues, extra caution is warranted. Prioritize safety, source your ingredients carefully, and consider making your own bone broth at home to minimize the risk to your little one’s health. When in doubt, consult with your pediatrician or a registered dietitian specializing in infant nutrition. They can provide personalized advice based on your baby’s individual needs and health history.