WE HAVE BEEN CONSUMING BONES FOR CENTURIES 

Bones were highly prized by traditional cultures across the globe. Since Palaeolithic times indigenous trbes and our ancestors knew of the benefits of eating bones.for their own benefit to build strong bones for themselves. On continents far and wide, there's evidence of traditional cultures grinding up calcium rich bones.

For those many cultures who did not have access to dairy, bones were an alternative and bioavailable source of calcium (Sally Fallon).

Ancient indigenous tribes  didn't struggle with osteoporosis. Broken bones and joint problems were uncommon. Their dental health was perfect (Weston Price).

In modern times, we have lost this traditional wisdom of our elders and our diets have wandered.  In some cases deteriorated to sole plant based diets and neglecting the need .for animal based nutrition. 

Our ancestors famously were renown hunter and gathers and ate nose to tail, honouring the whole animal and wasting nothing, bones included!

Skeletal bone is an organ, placing it in the same nutritional realm as liver, heart, brain, kidney, and sweetbreads. - Mark Sisson.

Whole Bone has the ideal physiological ratio of calcium and phosphorus (2:1) in a microcrystalline structure that enhances absorption and bioavailability. Unlike alternative synthetic calcium supplements whole bone is a source of naturally occurring growth factors and cytokines from a pure food source and contains type I collagen, essential trace minerals, and bone stimulating peptides (IGF I & II, TGF β,Osteocalcin) that nourish and support the whole skeletal system for strength, flexibility, and remineralisation of our bones.*

Calcium and Phosphorous in the ideal physiological ratio of 2:1

Whole Bone contains calcium and phosphorus in the ideal physiological ratio of 2:1.  This harmonious ratio allows the body to retain its optimal mineral balance.  Supplementing with calcium alone can lead to mineral deficiencies and other health problems.

The main function of phosphorous is for the formation of strong bones and teeth. It is also necessary for the body to synthesise protein to support the growth, maintenance, and repair of cells and tissues. It even plays an important role in how the body uses carbohydrates and fats and is needed for proper absorption of calcium.

Calcium plays a key role for strengthening bones and teeth, regulating muscle function, blood clotting, the transmission of nervous system messages, and enzyme function.

Bone Stimulating Peptides (IGF I & II, TGF β, Osteocalcin)

Peptides are tissue-specific information molecules, which influence gene expression.  They start the process of protein synthesis in cells, and regulate proper cellular functioning. Our organs, including our bones, consistently produce peptides, but as we age and are impacted by a number of different stressors (environmental toxins, poor nutrition, stress, etc.) our organs will naturally decrease protein synthesis and no longer be able to form new peptides at the same rate as during our youth. Deficiency of these nutrients results in cellular dysfunction, degenerative diseases, accelerated ageing, and bone loss.  One of the most effective ways to counter this deficiency is the consumption of bone specific peptides.

BACKED BY SCIENCE

For joint and bone health, it has been proven that the oral ingestion of collagen daily decreases the joint pain and increases the bone mass density after 4-24 weeks (Moslowitz, 2000).  

Castello-Branco et al carried out a clinical study and found microcrystalline hydroxyapatite MCHA from whole bone is considered to be more effective than calcium supplements in maintaining bone mass in postmenopausal women. In addition, they suggest it improves pain symptoms and accelerates fracture consolidation in patients with osteopenia or osteoporosis and is significantly more effective in preventing bone loss than calcium carbonate.

Another study found that hydroxyapatite improved cortical bone thickness in a group of women by 11.6 percent, compared to an improvement of only 7 percent with those who only supplemented with calcium gluconate.

Whole Bone contains approximately 20% by weight of organic matrix comprised primarily of collagen. Collagen is the major structural component of the bone matrix, whereby the majority is type I collagen approximately 90%, with smaller amounts of collagen types III, V, X and XII.

Collagen gives bone its flexibility, whereas the addition of mineral to the collagen network provides bone with its stiffness. Without the addition of mineral to collagen, bone tissue would be very flexible, with properties similar to rubber.  Conversely without collagen, bone is brittle. Thus, varying the amounts and distribution of collagen and mineral provides bone with its ability to balance flexibility and stiffness requirements.

Alterations to the structure of collagen that occur from ageing or genetic abnormalities such as osteogenesis which can compromise the structural integrity of bone tissue and results in a weaker structure with a greater than normal susceptibility to fracture.

The remainder of the whole bone approximately 70% by weight serves as an reservoir for storing 99% of the body's total calcium, approximately 85% of phosphorus and between 40 and 60% of the body's sodium and magnesium.  These mineral based ions form crystalline structures surrounding and within the collagen fibres to give bone its stiffness. Bone crystals are predominantly in the form of calcium hydroxyapatite  [Ca10PO4OH2], the primary mineral found in the skeleton. {6]

WHY BEEF BONES

Bone is the ultimate biomaterial, light, strong and flexible, so that it can adapt to its functional demands and with proper nutrition repair itself. Based on the concept of "like supports like," consuming Whole Bone Matrix may strengthen and support our own bones*.

The bones of beef cattle owe their great strength and mechanical stability to the special structure of the bone matrix which is synthesised by the osteoblasts (bone cells).
The two essential components of the bone matrix involve a framework of cross-linked collagen, type I collagen. The cross-linking takes place by means of the amino acids lysine and hydroxylysine. The second component is hydroxylapatite (also known as apatite-(CaOH)) which is embedded in the bone matrix (mineralisation of the bones). This structure of the bone is roughly comparable to that of steel-reinforced concrete wherein the properties of the steel framework (corresponding to the collagen) and of the concrete (corresponding to the hydroxylapatite) both complement one another forming an extremely stable structure.

Frequently Asked Questions 

How is Whole Bone Matrix Made?

Whole Bone Matrix is made by taking selected grass fed bones from Australian grown beef cattle and defatting the bones in hot water for 60mins.  The bones are then  chipped into pieces about 10mm in size and dried.  After drying the dried bones are further ground into a powder and then encapsulated using bovine gelatin capsules. 

If taking medication, pregnant, or breastfeeding please consult a licensed healthcare provider before taking this supplement. Vitamin supplements should not replace a balanced diet. Always read the label. Use as directed. If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration or TGA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The information contained herein is for informational purposes only and does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.

REFERENCES

[1]  Ruegsegger. P, Keller. A, Dambacher. MA, (1995) Comparison of the treatment effects of ossein-hydroxyapatite compound and calcium carbonate in osteoporotic females

[2]  Galson. DL, et al (2011) Origins of Osteoclasts

[3]  Castelo-Branco. C, et al (2020) Efficacy and Safety of Ossein-Hydroxyapatite Complex verses Calcium Carbonate to Prevent Bone Loss

[4]  Epstein, O. Kato, Y. Dick, R. and Sherlock, S., (1982) Vitamin D, hydroxyapatite, and calcium gluconate in treatment of cortical bone thinning in postmenopausal women with primary biliary cirrhosis. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

[5] Moskowitz, R.W., 2000. Role of collagen hydrolysate in bone and joint disease. Seminars Arthrit. Rheumat., 30: 87-99.

[6] Fuchs. RK et al (2009), Bone anatomy physiology and adaptation to mechanical loading.  Bone Repair Biomaterials