May 25, 2020 7 min read

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    Whether you’re recovering from a bad haircut (both emotionally and physically - we’ve all been there!), or you’re simply trying to find better ways to boost your hair growth, you’ve probably noticed that there isn’t an instant solution. Hair care & hair growth is highly individual.

    First, let’s establish that genetics play a vital role in the health and appearance of hair, as well as proper hair care adjusted to your particular hair type. However, one thing that influences everyone’s hair is nutrition. That’s right, no matter how much you nurture your hair on the outside, if it isn’t receiving the necessary nutrients from the inside, all you can achieve with topical care is temporarily hiding the damage. In order to truly feed your hair, you need to impact its structure - and that’s where non-GMO Marine Collagen comes into play.

    Collagen: The Dominant Protein

    When explaining the importance of collagen, scientists often refer to it as the glue holding the body together, which pretty much summarizes its main role. Humans are able to produce their own naturally present endogenous collagen. On the other hand, exogenous collagen is that which we obtain from various dietary sources.

    Marine Collagen

    According to the scientific definition, collagen is an insoluble fibrous protein accounting for 1/3 of the entire protein content in the body. Collagen consists of long, thin, resilient fibrils. Even though there are 16 collagen types known scientifically, you’ll mostly hear about types I, II, and III, since 80-90% of collagen belongs to these categories. According to a study on collagen structure, the fibrils of type I collagen are stronger than steel, and have great stretching capability.

    So, what does this incredible protein do for us? First and foremost, present in the extracellular matrix and comprised of a network of macromolecules, collagen has a primary role in determining the physical properties of body tissues. Collagen can also be found in the middle skin layer known as the dermis, where it participates in the formation of fibroblasts, while also contributing to cell restoration and replacement. Therefore, collagen supplementation is able to aid in numerous skin issues, including dryness, wrinkling, and premature aging.

    Collagen is also recognized as an anti-inflammatory agent, hence its role in the management of pain associated with osteoarthritis and chronic joint-related pain. Additionally, given the predominant collagen content in bone mass, a study conducted by Viguet-Carrin S. emphasizes the necessity of collagen in general bone health and strength. Speaking of its presence in the bodily structure, collagen is also one of the main components of muscles, accounting for their proper functioning. Furthermore, when combined with resistance training, collagen peptide supplementation has been shown to promote muscle mass growth, even in the elderly struggling with sarcopenia.

    Collagen and Performance

    What’s more, collagen supplementation has shown positive results when it comes to managing heart health. A 6-month-long study conducted by N. Tomosugi and colleagues included 31 healthy adults who supplemented with 16 g of collagen peptides daily. The results showed that consistent collagen supplementation significantly reduced artery stiffness, while the levels of “good” cholesterol (HDL) were promoted by 6%.

    Marine Collagen & Hair - How Marine Collagen Can Improve Your Crowning Glory

    Hair Health & Collagen

    Though some may not consider hair health a particularly relevant health topic, we’d have to strongly disagree. Aside from aesthetics, compromised hair health may be the symptom of much bigger underlying issues that deserve your undivided attention. Besides, being into your hair just for the sake of looking good is certainly not a sin - and we’re here for shiny, voluminous hair!

    As a matter of fact, according to a study conducted by D. Williamson et al., hair loss may impact more areas of life than we may think. In this study, a loss of self-confidence, a sense of low self-esteem, and promoted self-consciousness were noted in patients suffering from alopecia.

    According to a study on diet and hair loss, when it comes to decreased hair quality and thinning, it is essential to access any nutritional deficiencies through adequate supplementation. The study also states that nutritional supplements have been found to restore hair growth while aiding in the management of hair loss. Not obtaining enough of vital nutrients such as collagen may impact both the structure of the hair, as well as its growth.

    Collagen and Hair

    First and foremost, as it is made up of amino acids, collagen is heavily involved in the production of other proteins, including keratin, which is one of the main components of the fibre mass. One of the collagen amino acids, proline, represents a vital element of keratin, and is therefore necessary for hair structure and strength.

    What’s more, as a powerful antioxidant, collagen has been found to combat free radicals produced in excess as a result of environmental pollution, stress, poor diet, and alcohol. A study on the impact of oxidative stress on hair suggests that free radicals have been shown to damage hair follicles, imposing a serious threat to overall hair health, especially in aged individuals.

    Collagen hydrolysate appears to exhibit protective properties by acting as an antioxidant in the battle against free radicals. Furthermore, Marine Collagen has demonstrated great potential when it comes to scavenging four different types of free radicals. In addition, given that hair grayingseems to be heavily influenced by free radicals, the antioxidant activity of collagen may aid in the prevention of this kind of follicle damage.

    When it comes to hair thinning, there is scientific evidence connecting this issue to the overall decrease in collagen production, given the fact that the root of the hairs depends upon skin quality. How is that? Well, the middle layer of the skin is where the root of each individual hair is located, and we already know how important of a nutrient collagen is when it comes to skin health.

    Therefore, by strengthening the skin, you’re also creating a stronger base and more support for your hair. What’s more, a study on nutritional factors and hair loss suggests that dietary choices affect both the quality of the hair, as well as the state of the skin - which is an important factor in issues such as hair loss and scaling problems.

    Hydrolyzed Collagen

    As far as hair growth is concerned, a placebo-controlled study conducted by A. Glynis has come across some rather promising evidence regarding all-natural Marine Collagen supplementation. The study enrolled women aged 21-75 years who reported visible hair thinning. According to this study, the use of a marine-based supplement resulted in a significant increase in hair growth after 90 and 180 days of consistent supplementation. There were no adverse effects of this kind of supplementation, and a 125% increase in terminal hairs of the participants was noted. In case you’re experiencing postpartum hair loss, make sure to check out our in-depth review of this issue.

    Discover the Superhuman in you!

    Take our quiz and find which supplements your body is craving.

    By no means are we telling you to stop investing in your hair care, your favorite shampoos, and treatments. What we’re suggesting is a more detailed approach which will encompass all areas of hair health, instead of just focusing on appearance. By addressing the issue both with topical products and proper dietary supplements such as Wild-Caught Marine Collagen, you’re providing your hair with all the necessary care, and the desired effects are more likely to happen. Interested in more quality supplementation from us? See our full line.

    Article References:

    1. Collagen: What is it and what are its uses?. (2020). Retrieved 15 May 2020, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/262881
    2. Buehler, M. J. (2006). Nature designs tough collagen: Explaining the nanostructure of collagen fibrils. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 103(33), 12285–12290. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.0603216103
    3. Frantz, C., Stewart, K. M., & Weaver, V. M. (2010). The extracellular matrix at a glance. Journal of Cell Science, 123(24), 4195–4200. https://doi.org/10.1242/jcs.023820
    4. Fibroblast - Fibroblast Cells - Altogen Biosystems. (n.d.). Retrieved May 15, 2020, from Fibroblasts: Cell Culture and Transfection Protocol website: http://www.fibroblast.org/
    5. Proksch, E., Segger, D., Degwert, J., Schunck, M., Zague, V., & Oesser, S. (2014). Oral Supplementation of Specific Collagen Peptides Has Beneficial Effects on Human Skin Physiology: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study. Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 27(1), 47–55. https://doi.org/10.1159/000351376
    6. Bello, A. E., & Oesser, S. (2006). Collagen hydrolysate for the treatment of osteoarthritis and other joint disorders:a review of the literature. Current Medical Research and Opinion, 22(11), 2221–2232. https://doi.org/10.1185/030079906x148373
    7. Viguet-Carrin, S., Garnero, P., & Delmas, P. D. (2005). The role of collagen in bone strength. Osteoporosis International, 17(3), 319–336. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00198-005-2035-9
    8. Gillies, A. R., & Lieber, R. L. (2011). Structure and function of the skeletal muscle extracellular matrix. Muscle & nerve, 44(3), 318–331. https://doi.org/10.1002/mus.22094
    9. Tomosugi, N., Yamamoto, S., Takeuchi, M., Yonekura, H., Ishigaki, Y., Numata, N., Katsuda, S., & Sakai, Y. (2017). Effect of Collagen Tripeptide on Atherosclerosis in Healthy Humans. Journal of atherosclerosis and thrombosis, 24(5), 530–538. https://doi.org/10.5551/jat.36293
    10. Williamson, D., Gonzalez, M., & Finlay, A. (2001). The effect of hair loss on quality of life. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 15(2), 137–139. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1468-3083.2001.00229.x
    11. Guo, E. L., & Katta, R. (2017). Diet and hair loss: effects of nutrient deficiency and supplement use. Dermatology practical & conceptual, 7(1), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.5826/dpc.0701a01
    12. Yang, F. C., Zhang, Y., & Rheinstädter, M. C. (2014). The structure of people's hair. PeerJ, 2, e619. https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.619
    13. Trüeb, R. M. (2015). The impact of oxidative stress on hair. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 37, 25–30. https://doi.org/10.1111/ics.12286
    14. Abedin, M. Z., Karim, A. A., Latiff, A. A., Gan, C.-Y., Ghazali, F. C., Barzideh, Z., … Sarker, M. Z. I. (2014). Biochemical and radical-scavenging properties of sea cucumber (Stichopus vastus) collagen hydrolysates. Natural Product Research, 28(16), 1302–1305. https://doi.org/10.1080/14786419.2014.900617
    15. Wang, B., Wang, Y. M., Chi, C. F., Luo, H. Y., Deng, S. G., & Ma, J. Y. (2013). Isolation and characterization of collagen and antioxidant collagen peptides from scales of croceine croaker (Pseudosciaena crocea). Marine drugs, 11(11), 4641–4661. https://doi.org/10.3390/md11114641
    16. Van Neste, D., & Tobin, D. J. (2004). Hair cycle and hair pigmentation: dynamic interactions and changes associated with aging. Micron, 35(3), 193–200. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.micron.2003.11.006
    17. Varani, J., Dame, M. K., Rittie, L., Fligiel, S. E., Kang, S., Fisher, G. J., & Voorhees, J. J. (2006). Decreased collagen production in chronologically aged skin: roles of age-dependent alteration in fibroblast function and defective mechanical stimulation. The American journal of pathology, 168(6), 1861–1868. https://doi.org/10.2353/ajpath.2006.051302
    18. Zhang, S., & Duan, E. (2018). Fighting against Skin Aging: The Way from Bench to Bedside. Cell transplantation, 27(5), 729–738. https://doi.org/10.1177/0963689717725755
    19. Rushton, D. H. (2002). Nutritional factors and hair loss. Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, 27(5), 396–404. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2230.2002.01076.x
    20. 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.



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