{"id":236198,"date":"2025-10-31T16:00:07","date_gmt":"2025-10-31T16:00:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/236198\/"},"modified":"2025-10-31T16:00:07","modified_gmt":"2025-10-31T16:00:07","slug":"experts-share-which-you-should-take","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/236198\/","title":{"rendered":"Experts Share Which You Should Take"},"content":{"rendered":"

While a smart beauty routine can play a big role in keeping your skin and hair looking vibrant, nutrition plays a role as well. The best foods for skin health<\/a> and foods for hair growth<\/a> contain specific nutrients. When it comes to collagen vs. biotin, which should you choose for a glowing complexion and stronger strands?<\/p>\n

Meet the experts: Lauren Manaker, M.S., R.D.N., L.D.<\/a>, a registered dietitian nutritionist and women’s health expert; Dara Spearman, M.D.<\/a>, owner of Radiant Dermatology Associates in Fort Wayne, IN.<\/p>\n

Here, a dermatologist and dietitian explain the potential perks you could get from collagen and biotin, plus if and when you may choose to use them.<\/p>\n

Collagen benefits<\/p>\n

\u201cCollagen is a protein that supports your skin, joints, and connective tissues,\u201d says Lauren Manaker, M.S., R.D.N., L.D.<\/a>, a registered dietitian nutritionist and women\u2019s health expert. \u201cAs we age, our natural collagen production slows down, which can lead to wrinkles, joint discomfort, or less skin elasticity. Supplementing with collagen may help support these areas.\u201d The biggest drop-off in collagen production comes in the five years after menopause<\/a>, during which women lose about 30% of their collagen, according to the American Academy of Dermatology<\/a>, followed by a 2% drop every year for the following 20 years.<\/p>\n

The good news, though, says Dara Spearman, M.D.<\/a>, owner of Radiant Dermatology Associates in Fort Wayne, IN, is that \u201canyone could increase their collagen intake to improve skin health by increasing hydration, elasticity, and firmness.\u201d A 2023 review published in Nutrients<\/a> found that collagen supplementation significantly improved skin hydration and elasticity when compared to a placebo. <\/p>\n

\u201cCollagen is also popular among athletes seeking joint support<\/a> or individuals recovering from injuries,\u201d Dr. Spearman says. In addition to the potential benefits for skin health, collagen has also been studied extensively as a potential treatment for osteoarthritis (the most common type of arthritis). According to the Arthritis Foundation<\/a>, collagen may reduce joint pain and stiffness and support cartilage repair in people with osteoarthritis.<\/p>\n

How to get collagen<\/p>\n

Before looking for supplements, know that you can get both collagen and the nutrients your body needs to produce its own collagen from food. \u201cCollagen is found in animal connective tissues, such as bone broth, chicken skin, and fish with skin,\u201d says Dr. Spearman. \u201cYou can also make sure you\u2019re getting enough fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds to provide the amino acids necessary to synthesize collagen.\u201d<\/p>\n

If you do decide to try a supplement after discussing it with your doctor, collagen comes in powders, capsules, and liquid. Dr. Spearman suggests going with a liquid. \u201cLiquid collagen is often absorbed faster due to its hydrolyzed form, which has already been broken down into smaller, more digestible peptides,\u201d she explains. Other collagen supplements may contain undenatured type II collagen<\/a>, which hasn\u2019t been broken down yet. <\/p>\n

Potential downsides to collagen<\/p>\n

\u201cCollagen is generally safe, but some may experience digestive issues,\u201d says Dr. Spearman. A high-quality collagen supplement that has been third-party-tested can also be a bit pricey, making it less accessible than some other nutritional supplements. Again, it\u2019s important to consult your physician before starting a supplement.<\/p>\n

Biotin benefits<\/p>\n

\u201cBiotin, also known as vitamin B7, plays a key role in helping your body convert food into energy. It also supports healthy hair, skin, and nails, which is why you\u2019ll often see it in beauty supplements,\u201d says Manaker. According to the National Institutes of Health<\/a> (NIH), biotin deficiency has been linked to thinning hair<\/a> and brittle nails<\/a>, which is why many people supplement with biotin to help support these areas. However, the NIH says that studies have yielded mixed results on the benefits of biotin for healthy people who are not deficient. <\/p>\n

Still, biotin supplementation is generally safe\u2014the vitamin is water-soluble, which means that any excess is eliminated in your urine. For this reason, many people try taking it because it does help your body maintain healthy hair, skin, and nails (even though there isn\u2019t definitive evidence that loading up on the vitamin will make your hair, skin, or nails healthier than they already are). <\/p>\n

How to get biotin<\/p>\n

\u201cWith a healthy diet, you are likely getting the right amount of biotin needed without supplementing,\u201d says Dr. Spearman, who cites foods like nuts, eggs, fish, sweet potatoes, and mushrooms as top sources of the vitamin. But if you decide to take a supplement, biotin comes in softgels, tablets, and gummies, and you can as for when to take biotin<\/a>? Any time of day works.<\/p>\n

Potential downsides to biotin<\/p>\n

The biggest downside you need to know when it comes to biotin is that it may generate falsely low or falsely high results on some blood tests. According to the Cleveland Clinic<\/a>, biotin may interfere with lab tests used to diagnose thyroid disease<\/a>, heart disease, pregnancy, anemia<\/a>, or even certain cancers, which could keep you from getting the treatment you need. Dr. Spearman adds that there are also some medications that reduce absorption of biotin, such as antibiotics and anti-seizure drugs. So if you are undergoing lab tests or taking prescription medication, it\u2019s important to talk to your doctor before taking biotin. <\/p>\n

\u201cBiotin is safe for most people, but some may experience stomach issues,\u201d adds Dr. Spearman. \u201cSome find that taking it with food helps.\u201d<\/p>\n

Collagen vs. biotin: Which is better for you?<\/p>\n

\u201cIt depends on your goals,\u201d says Dr. Spearman. \u201cIf you are concerned about skin elasticity and wrinkles, collagen may be a better option. If you are experiencing hair loss or have brittle nails, biotin may be more effective. In some cases, taking both supplements together may be best.\u201d The benefits of collagen supplementation have been largely confirmed by research, while the benefits of biotin are still primarily anecdotal. However, since both are generally safe, there may be little harm in trying one or both after getting the all-clear from your doctor. <\/p>\n

Dietary supplements are products intended to supplement the diet. They are not medicines and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure diseases. Be cautious about taking dietary supplements if you are pregnant or nursing. Also, be careful about giving supplements to a child, unless recommended by their healthcare provider.<\/p>\n

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