The Difference Between Bone Broth and Collagen

“What’s the difference between bone broth and collagen?”

It’s a question I often get asked by clients. The key differences are in the nutrient-profile and how they’re made. Let’s take a closer look.

Bone Broth vs. Collagen

You can think of bone broth as general overall support for the body. It contains a wealth of key nutrients, including proteins, like collagen, that are rich in important amino acids like glycine and glutamine. It also contains an array of minerals (i.e. calcium, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and zinc). In addition, the process of simmering beef or chicken bones for a long period of time also releases glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), which are very beneficial for the joints. Bone broth is loaded with good stuff!

Collagen is a protein found in bone broth, but it can also be isolated via a process called hydrolyzation which creates a more concentrated collagen powder supplement, such as the ones used in our Enhanced Collagen. This can be hugely beneficial because you get much bigger doses of collagen, and collagen-specific amino acids like glycine, glutamine, proline, hydroxyproline, and arginine. These amino acid “all-stars” are terrific for keeping joints healthy, your digestive system running on all cylinders and toning down your nervous system to support recovery.

So now that you know that bone broth and collagen are good for you, the real question becomes: How do you know if you should take bone broth or collagen (or both)?

Like choosing between a hammer and screwdriver, it depends on what YOU need.

Should I take one of them or both?

With my clients, I like to think of bone broth as a general tonic to support overall health. It gives you an added array of key nutrients to keep you feeling your best. It’s also a fantastic addition in the winter months to boost immunity, support your nervous system and feel your best in the darkest, coldest days.

Collagen can also be used as a general tonic, but I tend to think of it for more specific concerns. For example, if you want to target your sore joints, help fix a leaky gut, improve sleep troubles or support skin health than a bigger dose of collagen-specific amino acids will likely be very helpful.

Of course, you don’t necessarily have to choose between the two. My preferred mix is two scoops of Ginger Bone Broth and one scoop of Enhanced Collagen in the evening to wind down before bed.

Organika's Bone Broth and Enhanced Collagen

Organika’s Bone Broth is made from organic free-run chickens OR grass-fed cattle (depending on if you like chicken or beef). In either case there are no added antibiotics, hormones, or additives. You are getting pure, nutritious, protein-packed, delicious bone broth. There is also a Veggie Broth option made of tremella mushrooms and nutritional yeast.

Organika’s Enhanced Collagen Original is made from grass-fed cattle and loaded with type-1 and type-3 collagen, which provides a load of support for joints, gut, hair, skin and nails.

Together, you have a full-spectrum support and highly absorbable forms of collagen.

Want to take them together? Try our Full Spectrum Collagen 1,2,3 (a mix of both collagen and bone broth).

Bone broth and collagen are great additions to your nutritional arsenal, find the right mix to suit your goals! Dr. Marc Bubbs ND, CISSN, CSCS