Everywhere we turn we are hearing about the importance of taking care of our health and how to age well. Perhaps you find yourself overwhelmed with all the information available. We are not only going to give you some excellent, easy to understand information BUT we’re also going to answer questions that will equip you to make informed decisions about your health and aging.

Collagen and biotin; these are the two main supplements that the health and wellness industry is talking non stop about. After going through this article, you are going to know what biotin and collagen are, their differences and feel confident in deciding what to add to your wellness regime.

Collagen and Biotin: Just What Are They?

Collagen and biotin both play a vital role in our health and the aging process. Our bodies need both to function properly. Read on to find out what biotin and collagen actually are and why they play such vital roles in our wellness.

What is Collagen? 

Collagen is a protein; a very important protein, chock full of essential amino acids, that our bodies need to function. The human body naturally produces this protein however between the ages of 20 to 30, our collagen synthesis begins to decline.

As a result of this decline we start to see the early signs of aging. A wrinkle here and there and maybe even a bit of stiffness in our joints, brittle nails, hair thinning, the works. This is when collagen supplementation is considered.

Collagen Benefits 

Not only can collagen supplements assist our body with the beginning signs of aging but according to experts in the field, collagen supplements have a great many health benefits.

Skin Health

One of the many ways collagen works in our bodies is to help our skin look and be healthy. Collagen is made up of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins.

When you take a collagen supplement, peptides and amino acids contained in these supplements that are modeled after what the body naturally produces, are absorbed into your bloodstream and used by your body to produce new collagen. This helps to plump up your skin, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and give your skin more elasticity. 

Strong Hair & Nails

Hair and nails are important indicators of overall health. Strong hair and nails are usually a sign of good nutrition and adequate vitamin and mineral intake. Some people may still find themselves struggling with weak or brittle hair and nails despite a healthy diet. Collagen supplementation along with diet, works wonders. .

Collagen gives hair its structure and strength, while also keeping nails hydrated and resistant to breakage. Adding a collagen supplement to your daily diet can help to support strong hair, and nails by replenishing the body’s supply of this protein.

Being rich in amino acids, collagen is essential for hair growth, preventing hair loss and keeping hair shiny.

When our nails don’t get enough collagen, they become weak and brittle leaving them prone to breakage. 

Improved Joint Health

A structural protein, collagen is very much needed in the connective tissues of our joints for cushioning as well as mobility. It gives our joints strength and elasticity.

Collagen supplementation can help to keep our joints healthy by  providing the body with the amino acids it needs to produce collagen. This collagen stimulation helps to reduce joint pain and can even improve bone density. 

Reduced Inflammation

Did you know that collagen is a regenerative protein? Collagen plays an important role in wound healing. With less collagen production in our bodies as we age, the structure and integrity of all of our connective tissues is at risk.

When the body suffers an injury, is overworked or stressed, collagen kicks in to help with the healing. If our collagen is lacking, there may be delayed healing or health complications such as inflammation. Chronic inflammation can lead to a variety of health problems, including joint pain, digestive issues, and skin problems. 

A quality collagen supplement will also have anti-inflammatory properties. This along with natural collagen synthesis being stimulated is why people have seen such great results after beginning a collagen regime.

Risks and Side Effects of Collagen

In general, collagen supplements are safe for everyone to take with very few side effects. Side effects that may occur are typically a result of too much collagen. This can easily be avoided by taking a lower dosage and gradually increasing if needed.

There are a couple of things to know when considering if supplements are right for you.

Heartburn

Collagen is very beneficial for our digestive and gut health. Why then do a few people report heartburn as a side effect of taking collagen? The solution could be as simple as taking collagen with plenty of water and being sure to wait at least 30 minutes after eating before taking the supplement or lowering the dosage.

Bloating

Some people may experience bloating when taking collagen supplements. There are a few possible explanations for this.

It’s possible that the body is not able to process the collagen. It can take time for the digestive system to adjust. Some people may have a problem with other ingredients in the supplements that can cause bloating, such as sweeteners or fillers. Quality is key to avoiding fillers. 

There are also many brands that offer pure collagen peptides that are easier to digest. Taking collagen supplements with food or reducing the dosage may also be a viable solution to this concern. 

Potential Allergic Reaction

For those who are allergic to seafood or shellfish, you may want to proceed with caution. Read the label! There are two main types of collagen supplements: Bovine and Marine. If you are allergic to seafood or shellfish, you will want to stay away from Marine collagen supplements as they obviously contain seafood products which would most likely result in an allergic reaction.

What is Biotin? 

Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin that is part of the B-complex family of vitamins. Often called “vitamin H” or “coenzyme R,” biotin plays an important role in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is necessary for the health of skin, hair and nails.

Your body needs biotin to help convert certain nutrients into energy. Because we cannot always eat enough of the foods that are considered rich in biotin, taking a biotin supplement can provide a number of health benefits.

Biotin Benefits

Like collagen, biotin is very necessary for healthy skin, hair and nails. Also like collagen, biotin provides many other health benefits than what the beauty industry boasts about. Let’s take a look at some of the other known benefits to your health that biotin supplements are recognized for.

Skin Health

Biotin is involved in the production of fatty acids and glucose, which are essential for maintaining the cell membranes that protect your skin. Biotin helps to reduce inflammation and repair damaged skin tissue. 

Like collagen, biotin helps to improve the moisture content of the skin, enhance its barrier function and increase skin elasticity.

Improved Metabolism

Studies show that biotin has been very beneficial when it comes to our metabolism. This is because it helps to break down fats and carbohydrates and synthesize fatty acids. This all works to help the body use glucose more effectively.

A healthier metabolism impacts our ability to maintain a healthy weight, something a lot of people struggle with as they age.

Faster Wound Healing

Biotin plays a role in the production of collagen, which is essential for wound healing. Research has shown that biotin supplementation can promote faster wound healing, and it is often used as a treatment for slow-healing wounds.

Taking a biotin supplement stimulates our body to produce collagen. This stimulation can help us with our collagen levels. Biotin and collagen complement each other very well.

Reduced Inflammation

When it comes to reducing inflammation, biotin is a powerhouse nutrient. Biotin has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties of its own. But it doesn’t end there. 

Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, and proteins play a key role in the inflammatory response. By helping to regulate amino acid metabolism, biotin naturally helps to reduce inflammation.

Risks and Side Effects 

Overall, biotin is a very safe and effective way to improve your health or simply ensure your skin, hair and nails remain healthy as you age. As with any supplement, there is always some possibility of risk/side effects. 

Trouble Sleeping

A small percentage of people may have trouble sleeping when taking biotin. This is because biotin is involved in energy metabolism. There’s no actual scientific proof of this so it’s uncertain that this is an actual concern. Taking a lower dosage to begin with, will allow you to see if this is a possible side effect for you.

Skin Rashes

When introducing anything new to our body, it’s not uncommon to experience a skin rash. In most cases the rash will resolve on its own as the body adjusts and accepts it.

Lowering the dosage and gradually increasing may help with this. On rare occasions, the rash may very well be an allergic reaction. Signs of an allergic reaction would be that the rash is severe and persistent, lasting for a couple of weeks or more. Stop taking the biotin supplement and consult an expert.

Upset Stomach

Biotin may cause an upset stomach. This is more likely to occur if you take high doses of biotin to begin with or if you have a sensitive stomach. If you do experience an upset stomach after taking biotin, try taking it with food or reducing your dose to see if this takes care of the issue.

Biotin Vs Collagen: How Do They Compare? 

As noted above, biotin and collagen have a lot in common but yet still do different things. So, biotin vs collagen: how do they compare? Let’s compare.

What is the Difference? 

Biotin and collagen are two important nutrients for healthy hair, skin, and nails. Both are found in food sources, and both can be taken as supplements.

Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin that helps the body metabolize fats and proteins. It’s essential for cell growth and works to maintain our skin, hair, and nails.

Collagen, on the other hand, is a protein that helps to give structure to the skin, bones, and connective tissues. It’s responsible for maintaining the elasticity of the skin.

While both biotin and collagen are important for healthy hair, skin, and nails, they each have different roles to play.

Which is Better for the Skin? 

Most people are familiar with the benefits of biotin for hair and nails, but did you know that this vitamin can also be good for your skin? Biotin helps to keep skin hydrated and supple, promote cell turnover, which can keep skin looking young and radiant. Biotin also helps to protect the skin against environmental damage. 

Collagen is another popular ingredient in skincare products. This protein is naturally produced by the body and helps to keep skin firm and elastic. 

So, which is better for your skin: collagen vs biotin? Both biotin and collagen supplements offer unique benefits, so it’s really up to you to decide which will best target your needs or concerns.

Can You Take Both Collagen and Biotin Supplements?

There’s no need to choose between collagen and biotin supplements. You can take both! Together, these two nutrients work synergistically for healthiest hair, skin and nails.

What Foods are High in Collagen and Biotin? 

If you are looking to naturally increase your collagen and biotin through dietary sources, there are some foods to be considered. Adding these foods to your diet along with a biotin and collagen supplementation will give your body the best possible resources for aging well.

Collagen Sources 

• bone broth
• fish
• chicken
• eggs
• dark, leafy greens
• citrus fruits
• nuts & seeds

Biotin Sources 

• salmon
• beans
• lentils
• eggs
• nuts & seeds
• dark, leafy greens
• cheese
• wheat germ

Should I Take Collagen and Biotin Every Day? 

One of the most popular questions we get asked is whether or not you should be taking collagen and biotin every day. While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, experts recommend taking them daily for optimum results. 

Can You Take Too Much Collagen and Biotin? 

Too much of a good thing is possible and that includes biotin and collagen supplements. Although it’s unlikely to cause serious issues as your body will naturally expel the excess of either of these products, some may experience minor digestive issues, skin rashes or even headaches. To avoid this simply begin with the lowest possible dosages and gradually increase as needed.

The Bottom Line

From hair growth, skin elasticity, gut health to healthy joints and so much more, biotin and collagen supplements offer numerous health benefits so both should definitely be considered as part of your wellness routine. 

Be sure to check out our Health BLOG and collagen product page for more resources and all the quality products you are looking for. 

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