Nutraviva Bone Broth, what the experts say

At Nutraviva we are committed to product transparency and providing only the highest quality, independently tested products for our customers. Recently we had our Nutraviva Bone Broth extract powder’s amino acid profile independently tested by the Australian Proteome Analysis Facility (APAF) at Macquarie University in Sydney. The APAF have provided expert, high quality amino acid analysis for both industry and research purposes for over 20 years.

Naturally collagen rich bone broth

Bone broth is a naturally rich source of collagen but due to several factors including seasonal variations, cooking time, and processing methods, being able to reliably quantify a product’s amino acid profile can be problematic.

At Nutraviva we source our bone broth powder from grass fed and pasture raised cattle from Australia and New Zealand. The consistent quality and surety of our supply provides us with the highest quality beef bone broth powder found on the Australian market. Independent testing both validates our product claims and attests to the high level of amino acids found in our bone broth powders.

Amino Acid Analysis Results

The  Amino Acid Profile Analysis, including Hydroxyproline and Taurine Analysis, was conducted between the 12^th and the 23^rd of May using the APAF SOP AAA-001 and the Waters Acquity UPLC.

The amino acid analysis results were as follows:

*Calculation based on amino acid residue mass in protein (molecular weight minus H2O).

**Calculation based on free amino acid molecular weight.

***Taurine was not detected in this sample. The limit of reporting was 0.9mg/g.

So, let’s break it down…

Ok, so there is a whole lot of information to unpack here, and what does it mean to those of us that just want the basic facts?

Firstly, an amino acid analysis is used to determine the amino acid content of an amino acid within a peptide or protein containing sample. The first step of amino acid analysis involves hydrolysing the peptide bonds that are the sample, in this case our Bone Broth extract powder. The amino acids are then separated, detected, and quantified using analytical methods.

The results are laid out in the table above according to the amino acid tested for and the amount in milligrams per grams in both raw weight and then once any residual water is removed. It is also measured as parts of a whole (100%) in moles which generally speaking refers to the makeup of a particular amino acid as a percentage of a whole product. For example, glycine makes up 31.3% of the bone broth sample.

Compared to Collagen Hydrolysate (bovine sourced) there are a few varying amino acid amounts, in some cases the amino acids available in one product is higher than the other and vice versa. A couple of key points are apparent when looking at the amino acid profile for both products.

Rich source of Glycine

Glycine is the main amino acid found in collagen and is a structural protein supporting skin, joint and bone structures in our bodies. In a typical amino acid analysis of Collagen Hydrolysate powder, glycine makes up approximately 23.1% per 100g. In comparison, for the testing of Nutraviva Bone Broth, glycine was indicated at 31.3% for a 100g sample. Serving size should be taken into consideration, with the recommended serve of Collagen Hydrolysate being 10g and for Nutraviva Pure Bone Broth being 7g.

Glycine is one of three amino acids that the body uses to create a powerful antioxidant called glutathione which helps protect the body from free radical cell damage. The amount of glycine in the body is reduced as we age which is why it is important to include amino acid rich foods and supplements in the diet. It also contributes to the creation of creatine in the body that allows our muscles to perform quick movements, increase muscle strength, and has some associations with supporting brain functions. Glycine is known to contribute to improved sleep quality, reduce muscle wastage, support organ health, and hormone balancing.

Proline and Hydroxyproline

The amount of proline that was detected in our tested sample indicated that proline accounted for 11.5% of the total. in Nutraviva Collagen Hydrolysate the typical amino acid profile indicates proline at 13.5%. The amount of hydroxyproline in Nutraviva bone broth extract is also comparable to that found in Nutraviva Collagen Hydrolysate, being 8.9% and 9.9% respectively.

Whilst there are differences that are present, with Collagen Hydrolysate presenting higher levels of both proline and hydroxyproline, the variations are quite comparable indicating that both sources of natural collagen provide high levels of these bioavailable amino acids. Proline and hydroxyproline make up about a third of the amino acids in our body’s collagen reserves.

The requirements of proline and hydroxyproline amino acids for whole-body protein synthesis are high due to the important roles they play in protein synthesis, metabolism, nutrition, wound healing and immune response. Proline is also a signalling molecule for antioxidant release and key regulator of cell functions.

Multi Collagen Bone Broth

Nutraviva Bone Broths are not only a collagen rich source of protein but also a source of micronutrients due to the extended cooking time of over 18 hours combined with a slow drying process ensuring optimal levels of vitamins, micronutrients and minerals are retained in the broth powder.  Nutraviva’s unique bone broth formulation also provides the benefits of a multi-collagen (Types I, II and III collagen).

Adding Nutraviva Bone Broth to your diet is very easy as it can be added to soups, stocks, slow cooks or as a stand-alone broth. Nutraviva’s Collagen Enriched Bone Broth incorporates the benefits of both collagen supplements and bone broth into one product. It has a 50/50 ratio of Collagen Hydrolysate and Pure Bone Broth extract. Combining the two provides a multi collagen amino acid profile along with the additional micronutrients, vitamins and minerals found in bone broth.