Anyone interested in boosting the quality of their hair, skin, and nails has probably looked into taking Vegan Biotin Supplements at some point. But with so many different products on the market, how do we pick the right one for us?
Vegan Biotin and collagen supplements are top-rated in hair, skin, and nails. Their benefits have caught the eyes of many consumers interested in growing luscious locks or maintaining healthy skin. But which one is the better supplement: biotin or collagen?
Biotin and collagen each have different properties that make them helpful in supporting our hair, skin, and nails. The better supplement depends on what results in you’re looking for, but biotin and collagen can be taken safely together for optimal results.
So if you’re trying to decide between biotin and collagen, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll explain the difference between these supplements regarding how they work and their benefits. Keep reading to find out if biotin or collagen is right for you!
Difference between biotin and collagen
While biotin and collagen can offer similar results for our hair, skin, and nails, they are two different things.
What is biotin?
Biotin, or vitamin B7, is an essential nutrient that the body cannot produce. This means we have to consume biotin from outside sources, like supplements or foods.
This water-soluble vitamin supports our hair, skin, and nails by stimulating keratin production, metabolizing fats and amino acids, and forming fatty acids and glucose.
But the question on everyone’s mind is probably this: does biotin promote hair growth?
The research suggests that it does! One study from the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology found that taking a daily biotin supplement significantly increased hair growth after 90 and 180 days.
Another study from Dermatology Research and Practice found that a supplement containing biotin promoted hair growth and decreased hair shedding in women with thinning hair.
But if you’re also wondering about the role biotin plays in our skin health, you’re in luck. Studies have shown that low biotin levels can result in skin conditions like eczema or alopecia.
Therefore, those suffering from skin problems may want to increase their biotin intake via supplements or food.
What is collagen?
While collagen offers many of the same benefits as biotin, it works differently.
Collagen is a protein that your body makes naturally. It can be found in your muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments, skin, and other connective tissues.
But does collagen promote hair growth? Unfortunately, there is minimal research on collagen's effects on hair growth.
But studies have shown that collagen supplements can help our skin by improving skin hydration, elasticity, roughness, and density after three months of intake.
Research also suggests that collagen effectively reduces joint pain and improves symptoms in osteoarthritis patients. This unique feature sets it apart from biotin but may not be attractive to anyone focused on achieving healthier hair, skin, and nails.
Vegan biotin versus vegan collagen
Vegans often have to do a little extra research to find a product that suits their lifestyle. So if you follow a plant-based diet, you may be wondering how vegan biotin and vegan collagen compare.
The good news is that most biotin supplements are already vegan, though you’ll still want to check the label and make sure that no animal products are being used.
Collagen supplements, on the other hand, are typically made from bone broth, a liquid made from boiling animal bones and connective tissues.
Therefore, it is not at all vegan-friendly. But some companies do offer vegan collagen supplements, and research suggests that they may work as effectively as animal proteins when consumed at a higher intake.
Should I take biotin or collagen?
So now that we know the difference between biotin and collagen, we might be trying to decide which is suitable for us.
But because biotin and collagen slightly differ in their uses and benefits, one isn’t inherently better than the other. Determining whether we should take biotin or collagen depends on what we’re looking for.
If you’re interested in growing hair fast while adhering to a vegan diet, biotin might be the right choice. If you're more interested in younger skin and extra support for your joints, collagen might be the way to go.
But remember - you can safely take biotin and collagen together to experience the benefits of both. These supplements make a great team in supporting the health of your hair, skin, nails, and body.
Final thoughts
Vegan Biotin and collagen have been studied for their use in promoting healthy hair, skin, and nails.
To figure out which dietary supplement will work best for you, it’s essential to understand what each product offers and what results you’re looking to achieve.
For more information on biotin, check out this article: 9 Signs That May Point To A Biotin Deficiency.
Trusted Sources
- Glynis A. (2012). A Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Study Evaluating the Efficacy of an Oral Supplement in Women with Self-perceived Thinning Hair. The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology, 5(11), 28–34.
- Glynis A. (2015). A 3-month, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluating the ability of an extra-strength marine protein supplement to promote hair growth and decrease shedding in women with self-perceived thinning hair. Article ID 841570.
- Patel, D. P., Swink, S. M., & Castelo-Soccio, L. (2017). A Review of the Use of Biotin for Hair Loss. Skin appendage disorders, 3(3), 166–169. https://doi.org/10.1159/000462981
- Bolke, L., Schlippe, G., Gerß, J., & Voss, W. (2019). A Collagen Supplement Improves Skin Hydration, Elasticity, Roughness, and Density: Results of a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Blind Study. Nutrients, 11(10), 2494. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11102494
- García-Coronado JM, Martínez-Olvera L, Elizondo-Omaña RE, Acosta-Olivo CA, Vilchez-Cavazos F, Simental-Mendía LE, Simental-Mendía M. Effect of collagen supplementation on osteoarthritis symptoms: a meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials. Int Orthop. 2019 Mar;43(3):531-538. doi: 10.1007/s00264-018-4211-5. Epub 2018 Oct 27. PMID: 30368550.
- Deane, C. S., Bass, J. J., Crossland, H., Phillips, B. E., & Atherton, P. J. (2020). Animal, Plant, Collagen and Blended Dietary Proteins: Effects on Musculoskeletal Outcomes. Nutrients, 12(9), 2670. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12092670