There’s been a surge of interest in bone broths recently as the benefits of collagen (the main ingredient of these broths) gets the thumbs up for a variety of dietary (ketogenic/paleo/ Banting) and wellness reasons: as the foundation for strong connective tissue, sturdy bones and beautiful skin, as well as rapid wound healing and the easing of joint pain.

Collagen is a complex protein chain (a peptide) comprising primarily the amino acids glycine and proline/hydroxyproline. As we age, our body’s collagen stores are depleted and need to be replaced via diet. There’s no more visible proof of collagen depletion than our skin: wrinkles are the clearest sign of collagen loss.

There are two important types of collagen: Type I is found in bones and skin, tendons and ligaments. Type II is the key component of cartilage. The main sources of dietary collagen are beef bones/hides (Type I) and chicken sternums (Type II). Marine collagen, obtained from the scales/bones of fish, is also Type I. (There’s also Type III collagen, from the same sources as Type I).

Whilst bone broths are rich in collagen peptides, the body’s ability to absorb them is limited. Recent research has shown that it’s unlikely that bone broths can provide a consistently reliable source of the key amino acids found in collagen.

That’s where hydrolysed collagen comes in. When collagen is hydrolysed, enzymes break it down into smaller, more easily-absorbed molecules which increases their bio-availability (the body’s ability to use them).

Lifematrix Collagen Broth brings together hydrolysed Type 1 and Type II collagen (from beef and chicken) to deliver all the benefits of collagen in a delicious and easy-to-absorb form that the body can use effectively.

It can be consumed as an on-the-go “cuppa collagen” (just add boiling water and stir) or added to soups and stews to create a rich and hearty stock. With a small amount of beef gelatin (a collagen precursor), mixed herbs, jelapeno/red peppers and turmeric to create a tasty, lightly spicy broth, Lifematrix Collagen Broth is both a kitchen essential and a superfood in one!

A single serving of Lifematrix Collagen Broth (3 teaspoons = 12 g) delivers 10 g of Type 1 & II collagen. We blend our collagen in an 80/20 ratio of Type 1 to Type II.

It’s available in 200g and 400g pouches (with a limited special offer of an extra 100g in each 400g pouch).

At a recommended retail price of R185 for 200g (16 servings) and R348 for 400g (32 servings), Lifematrix Collagen Broth is excellent value for those seeking to boost their intake of these important aminos.


# Lifematrix also offers Purple Protein,
a blend of hydrolysed Peptan bovine collagen
with blueberries.

Find out more here.