Biotin/Collagen combination

[Tina30219]

Ok ladies I have a question for you I seen this posted on a mail group I am in on Facebook but nobody answered me back on it so I am coming here in hopes that someone will have the answer for me. I saw someone took biotin collagen gummies/ pills to help with strengthening and nail growth my question is does it work better than just biotin by itself?

[WinglessOne]

Thanks for the tag, @JoSometimes ! 

@Tina30219  There’s no scientific data yet that shows collagen or biotin supplements actually improve nails, whether taken together or individually. I mean sure, there’s that one collagen study (lemme go find it again… ah, Hexsel, Doris et al. “Oral supplementation with specific bioactive collagen peptides improves nail growth and reduces symptoms of brittle nails.” Journal of cosmetic dermatology vol. 16,4 (2017): 520-526. doi:10.1111/jocd.12393), but it’s focused on Verisol®, a supplement made of specific collagen peptides. (There are several different types of collagen peptides.) The study doesn’t say if the 25 participants boosted their collagen intake in other ways, in addition to taking Verisol. They could’ve been eating more beef broth, seafood, and skin-on chicken during the study, for instance; all those foods are good collagen sources, by the way. 

A few years ago, the FDA issued a warning that biotin supplements can cause false results in certain lab tests performed by health providers. With that in mind, plus the lack of clinical data and the fact that supplements are unregulated regulated less strictly than drugs are in the US, I’ll echo @danielledanielle‘s very good advice to check with your own doctor(s) before starting any supplement. Most docs will probably tell you to try adding or increasing certain foods in your diet instead. I already mentioned some collagen sources. For biotin, eat almonds, salmon, sweet potatoes, eggs (be sure to cook the whites to allow your body to absorb the eggs’ biotin), pork, and others I’m forgetting right now… well okay, I’m not really forgetting beef liver (gives you a full daily value of biotin), I just personally hate it so I’m always biased about listing it. 😂 

CORRECTION: I originally called supplements unregulated in the US but later questioned myself. So I visited the FDA’s site to remind myself how they handle supplements. Here’s what they say (info copied/pasted from fda [dot] gov’s “Facts About Dietary Supplements” page): 

“Fact: The FDA does not generally review dietary supplements before they are sold to consumers. 

More Information: Dietary supplements are regulated by the FDA, but much of our role begins after products enter the marketplace. In fact, in many cases, companies can produce and sell dietary supplements without even notifying the FDA. The FDA works to ensure that dietary supplements meet applicable safety standards and that they are well-manufactured and accurately labeled. The FDA is further responsible for enforcing the laws and regulations governing dietary supplements. 

Bottom Line: If a product is found to be unsafe or not otherwise in compliance with the law, the FDA can work with the company to bring the product into compliance or possibly remove it from the market.” 

[danielledanielle]

So @Tina30219 , they can both be helpful.  But I would highly recommend (and caution) you see a healthcare team (dermatologist, physician, registered dietitian) just because supplements stateside are not as tightly regulated.

Biotin in excess, effects aren't as pronounced, but there are some health conditions where how much you absorb is affected, hence my rec to see a professional.  With collagen peptides would affect skin/joint health overall vs just nail and there is some promising articles/research on it. But again, without knowing someone's health history, you can't get a true gauge which is why your other query may not have received a response.

If you do choose to supplement on your own however, I would always go low and slow. Good luck!

[JoSometimes]

Hi @Tina30219! I’m tagging our resident experts on this. I’m kinda curious myself now that you’ve asked this question. @RGbrown @WinglessOne