People often get influenced by the hair supplements that trichologists and beauty editors mostly recommend. Accordingly, we spend nearly 13 billion dollars yearly to groom our bodies with essential supplements. Rather than investing in a variety of hair care products, we must deliberate on beauty supplements that work impressively from the inside out.
The usage and interests of biotin and collagen supplements are in high trend nowadays; still, these maintenance supplements have not yet been explained. Also, the worth of biotin and collagen for thinning hair is highly demanding in the wellness industry.
There are a lot of queries, and confusing content is moving around regarding biotin and collagen differences. So, let’s end this ongoing chaos by addressing these supplements and which one is better; is it collagen? Does the value rely on biotin?
Without further ado, let’s highlight the possible impacts of biotin and collagen supplements on hair thinning and potent growth. We will also highlight the functional difference between these supplements, the symptoms of their deficiency, and all possible ways to incorporate these nutrients into daily life.
Here’s the Difference Between Biotin and Collagen
We are lucky enough as we have a variety of possible solutions for redirecting nourishment to the hair. Both biotin and collagen hold promises for us in the supplement aisle. Our choice between the two will depend on hair goals, hair considerations, and the duration of the situation.
What Is Biotin?
Biotin is a miraculous water-soluble vitamin, also called vitamin B7, B8, vitamin H, coenzyme R, and Nail-ex. The primary role of biotin is to support several homeostatic and metabolic functions in our body. There are plenty of biotin-rich foods, such as liver, eggs, orange juice, and cheese, which indicates our body doesn’t produce them naturally.
Biotin plays a huge role in stimulating keratin production and helps in strengthening hair follicles. No ingredients are known that interfere with biotin, and its supplementation is riskless. Its ability to solve in water makes it harmless, and we can easily remove its excess by the urination process.
According to PubMed, research conducted by the US National Library of Medicine (NCBI), a group of 18 reported people who had an underlying inspection for poor hair. There was clear evidence that showed improvement after biotin consumption.
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Benefits of Biotin for Hair
- Regrow hair
- Repairs split ends
- Stops hair thinning
- Increases volume
- Strengthens roots
- Restores shine
- Prevent hair loss
- Cures damaged hair
- Healthy scalp
- Protects hair
- Improve dandruff
- Soothes scalp
Symptoms of Biotin Deficiency
The deficiency of biotin is rare, and it isn’t as common as other insufficiencies. You’ve probably heard a lot about biotin deficiency and the significant risks revolving around it. Individuals who consume less biotin will suffer from hair thinning, brittle texture, and unwanted hair loss.
Other symptoms include a dry or scaly scalp, red rashes, depression, and difficulty in walking. Generally, some possible factors might be the main culprits behind biotin insufficiency. Such as:
- Certain medications like antibiotics and anticonvulsants may interfere with biotin production.
- Hereditary disorder (biotinidase) is the reason that prevents our body from reusing biotin.
- Excessive alcohol consumption hinders the absorption of biotin in our bodies.
- Long-term dieting plans and shredding journeys may lead us to biotin inadequacy.
What Is Collagen?
Collagen is the most abundant structural protein that helps make up the framework of tissues and cells. Some evidence and proven research show that collagen supplements and their diet can improve and maintain healthy dermis — also restrain age-related hair loss.
As far as the grooming industry and hair supplements are concerned, collagen has proven to be extremely potent in increasing hair-building proteins (keratin). It is a remarkable addition to hair care routines that result in tissue repair, prevents hair thinning, fights hair follicle damage, and slows down the graying process.
The most used form of collagen in supplements is hydrolyzed collagen, gelatin, and undenatured. These available forms of collagen could impact the supplements and their recommended dosage instructions.
Types of Collagen
There are 28-30 collagen types that have been identified now. Collagen type I is the generous type that accounts for 90% of the human body and almost a third of its protein composition. Other significant and common types of collagen are type II, III, IV, and V, with diverse functionalities.
Which Collagen is Best for Hair?
- Type I Collagen: This fibrillar type of collagen is most abundant in our bodies, and it is present in skin, repairing tissues, ligaments, dentin, and the organic part of the bone. It is crucial in hair formation, strengthens the scalp’s dermis, and assists antioxidants in fighting harmful free radicals.
- Type III Collagen: It is also fibrillar collagen that is commonly found along with type I. This collagen type supports skin and bone health, cardiovascular health, and lungs. It is vital for the structure and health of blood vessels that cater to hair.
- Type V Collagen: It is a form of fibrillar collagen less common in supplements and the body. Type V collagen can be found within placenta tissue and cell membranes. Moreover, it promotes healthy hair and supports optimal tissue quality in hair.
FAST FACTS
Collagen is insoluble in water, and we cannot use its raw form. Collagen peptides are more petite, easy-to-process particles so that body can easily absorb them. Hydrolyzed collagen is similar to regular collagen and is available in powder form, chewable, and in capsules.
Benefits of Collagen for Hair
Symptoms of Collagen Deficiency
There are plenty of reasons and conditions that cause collagen deficiency in our bodies. The biggest culprit of collagen deficiency is an aging process, and unfortunately, we can’t reverse it. As we age, collagen fibers become fragmented and thinner, and collagen production decreases inherently.
Other significant reasons that cause collagen dropdown are excessive smoking, sugary meal, and ultraviolet rays of the sun. Our inadequate dietary consumption and lifestyle factors can accelerate the process of collagen insufficiency.
These lifestyle factors are further responsible for free radicals that destroy the skin’s DNA and proteins — thus, hair strands tend to age faster. Symptoms of collagen deficiency include hair thinning, dull hair, and less scalp integrity.
What is Better for Thinning Hair Biotin or Collagen?
Both biotin and collagen play a competent role in keeping our body in shape, supporting hair growth, and having multiple health benefits. However, these supplements work differently as proteins and vitamins for enviable thick hair.
Biotin is a natural coenzyme that indirectly supports cell growth and hair loss. In contrast, collagen is a structural protein directly associated with overall hair health. Notably, the significance of biotin among vegans is enormous as our body cannot produce biotin on its own.
While on the other hand, collagen peptides are anti-aging proteins that the body produces on its own. Plant-based collagen is now available without any involvement of dairy and byproducts for beauty-conscious vegetarians and pescatarians.
Veraciously, our hair goals and woes are the reason why we decide which of these supplements is suitable for your hair condition. If you’re seeking to promote hair growth through a vegan diet, you can opt-in for biotin supplementation.
When both supplements work together, the efficacy will be at its peak. As it delivers a combination of balanced vitamins, minerals, and proteins simultaneously. The good news is that now we can easily purchase supplements made up with bliss of both biotin and collagen nutrients.
How to Incorporate More Biotin & Collagen in Your Routine
Our nourishing scalp and strong hair growth are mainly rooted in enough protein, carbohydrates, and essential vitamins in our diet. We usually obtain collagen and biotin insufficiency due to malnutrition or hereditary.
There are some convenient ways to incorporate collagen supplements into your daily meal. We can mix collagen in morning beverages like cold or hot coffee, tea, juices, and so on. We can also add collagen to yogurt, scrambled eggs, pancakes, and oatmeal.
The adequacy of supplementation when you have sufficient levels of biotin and collagen will no longer issue surprising results. However, keep in mind that additional intake can assist you further by rejuvenating your strands and promoting lustrous hair.
Unfortunately, we are in the habit of being impatient and always expect miracles overnight. But the actual thing is, we should consume supplements for at least three months or more for favorable outcomes.
Which Supplements Are Better While Shredding and Weight Loss Journey?
Both biotin and collagen work wonders while long-term dieting plans. When paired with chromium, biotin does increase your metabolic rest rate, which results in weight loss. On the other hand, collagen peptides indirectly help us in weight loss goals.
Collagen supplements make us feel fullness (satiety), as they may reduce the development of fat cells. It also supports body fat loss by increasing muscle mass during training.
Is there any Recommended Dosage of these Supplements?
Since we use biotin as a supplement rather than an FDA-authorized medicine, there isn’t any recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for daily intake. For teenagers and adults, 20-30 mcg per day is a safe amount prescribed by the National Institute of Health. This dosage may vary based on the person’s age and the acuteness of the deficiency.
While there is a variety of collagen supplements available in different quantities, the purpose of using them may differ. As there isn’t any recommended dosage of collagen, the best way is to rely on the advice of your healthcare provider and the prescribed dosage on the packing.
We can easily incorporate 2.5 to 15 grams of hydrolyzed collagen, 10-40 milligrams of undenatured collagen, and 1 to 2 pieces of gummies or pills that are safe for the daily dose. In either of the mentioned ways, collagen is non-toxic and inclusively safe with very few side effects.
FAST FACTS
Always consult with your general practitioner before stocking up on supplements for your diet. Also, to assure yourself which nutrient is deficient in our body right now. While our interests have grown — primarily, make sure your gut works perfectly.
List of Biotin & Collagen Rich Foods
BIOTIN RICH FOODS
- Beef Liver, Chicken Liver, Roasted Lamb, Red Meat
- Walnuts, Almonds, Oats, Brown Rice, Peanuts
- Raspberries, Bananas, Grapefruit, Watermelon
- Cheese, Eggs, Milk, Salmon, Mushrooms, Yogurt
- Soy Flour, Wheat Flour, Sunflower Seeds, Bulgur
- Spinach, Cabbage, Carrots, Sweet Potatoes
- Orange Juice, Raisins, Onions, Lentils, Sprouts
- Seeds, Broccoli, Tomatoes, Peanut Butter, Tuna
COLLAGEN RICH FOODS
- Salmon, Bone Broth, Turkey, Oysters, Chicken
- Carrot, Melon, Squash, Peaches, Mangoes
- Green Beans, Sweet Potatoes, Leafy Greens
- Chia Seeds, Pumpkin Seeds, Sesame Seeds
- Bell Peppers, Blueberries, Lettuce, Kale
- Garlic, Brussels, Shell Fish, Lean Meat, Egg Whites
- Avocados, Flax Seeds, White Tea, Pineapple
- Cocoa Powder, Crab, Gelatin, Lemon, Geranium
Safety Measurements While Using Supplements
The Bottom Line
The race of superiority between biotin and collagen is a ridiculous comparison that we’ve ever done. It’s just like we would say that vitamin is preferable to protein, or protein is more efficient than carbohydrates. Ideally, it’s our personal choice; either we take it in combination or choose what suits our beauty goals.
Uncertainties mainly surround our hair journey because of our ignorant response to its deficiencies. We may suffer a shortage of nutrients due to a lack of biotin and collagen; hence hair desperately suffers because it is the last part of our body to receive nutrients.
Always clear up your confusion before selecting beauty supplements by checking the claims and thoroughly reading all the listed ingredients. Specifically by scrutinizing its third-party testing like an NSF, BSCG, and USP seal on the back of the bottle.
Ready, set, and try out! Comment us below if you have already added biotin or collagen to your diet. We would love to hear from our manly community.
