Collagen and biotin both have an impact on hair growth to some degree. While collagen is naturally occurring in our body, biotin is found in many foods we eat from many animal sources like liver (beef and chicken), salmon and eggs. Biotin is also found in some green vegetables (broccoli) nuts, seeds and yeast among other food sources.
When you compare the two, is collagen or biotin better for hair growth?
Collagen
Collagen is a naturally occurring protein in humans – making up about 1/3 of the protein in our body – that among other things, keeps our skin elastic and is essential for joint health. For those reasons collagen is a popular supplement that men and women use as they get older to maintain their body as aging kicks in.
Dosage recommendations vary and not surprisingly supplement manufacturers often lean towards the higher end of the scale. Check with your doctor to see what dosage if any makes sense for you.
Collagen Deficiency
As we age, our body produces less collagen which is why you often hear about people taking collagen supplements: To supplement the collagen that their body produces and to avoid the side effects associated with aging and thus collagen deficiency. Namely dry skin, wrinkles, sagging skin and weakened bones among other things.
Biotin
Biotin is also known as vitamin H and vitamin B7 and comes form the ancient Greek word biotos which means life. Among other things biotin has a hand in hair growth as well as keeping our skin, eyes, liver and nervous system healthy.
Biotin Deficiency
While a biotin deficiency is rare, side effects of low biotin includes skin rashes, hair loss, and fragile nails although these may occur because of other reasons too.
As biotin deficiency can lead to thinning hair, it’s believed by some that increasing biotin intake in the form of a tablet can thicken and stimulate hair growth.
You can naturally increase your biotin intake by improving your diet as shown above. Since biotin occurs naturally in some meats, vegetables, nuts, seeds as well as yeast and other sources, you have a wide variety to choose from regardless of whether you consume animal-based products or not.
Is Collagen Or Biotin Better For Hair Growth?
Why do you have to choose? This is one of those A vs B questions that really doesn’t need to be asked. The truth is that your body can use both together in a reasonable amount (check with your doctor for that). By taking a collagen supplement while also consuming a variety of the foods listed above that contain biotin, you’ll get the benefits of both.
Unless you’re a vegetarian or vegan, chances are you’re already consuming a number of the foods that contain biotin so it might just be the collagen supplement you need to consider taking.
And since both collagen and biotin contribute to hair growth and to your overall health, it makes sense to increase consumption of both if needed.
Rather than guessing, book an appointment with your doctor and get a professional opinion as to what you need if anything. There’s no point in taking a supplement(s) that you don’t need.
Also, taking too much of a supplement can often have negative side effects. So rather than wasting money on something you don’t need and possibly taking too much of it unnecessarily, see your doctor for advice.
Conclusion
- Is collagen or biotin better for hair growth? They both serve a purpose and also assist with other bodily functions and overall health so it’s best to ensure you aren’t deficient in either.
- This really isn’t a case of choosing between one or the other since both collagen and biotin serve a purpose that your body needs.
- Collagen is a naturally occurring protein that makes up about a third of the protein in our body. As we age our body produces less collagen which may result in a number of side effects.
- Biotin isn’t generally produced by our body but is found in liver, eggs, certain vegetables, nuts and seeds and other foods listed above.
- Here is a more detailed list of biotin-rich foods including suggested servings.
Have you tried collagen, biotin or another ingredient or supplement for hair growth? Let us know your experience in the comments below!