How to Incorporate Collagen into Your Daily Routine for Nail Health

In our last post, we highlighted how collagen goes beyond skin benefits, potentially enhancing nail health as well. But how exactly does collagen help nails from the inside out? Let’s dig into the science. Nails are primarily composed of keratin, a protein similar to those found in skin and hair. Collagen, rich in amino acids, supports keratin production, thus strengthening nail structure. Hydrolyzed collagen (HC), which has been broken down into smaller peptides for better absorption, is especially beneficial, as it quickly delivers essential nutrients to areas like nails, helping reinforce them from within. Recent studies show promising results for collagen’s impact on nails. A study found that specific bioactive collagen peptides helped improve nail growth and reduced brittleness (Hexsel et al., 2017). In another clinical trial, a supplement containing peptides, lipids, collagen, and hyaluronic acid led to a significant improvement in nail cracking, brittleness, and softness after just eight weeks (Yagoda & Gans, 2012). Additionally, a review found links between nail and bone health, noting that keratin in nails and collagen in bones share similar structural properties and undergo post-translational modifications (Saeedi et al., 2018). Organika’s Enhanced Collagen is the number one collagen in Canada, sourced from grass-fed bovine. If you are pescatarian, try Organika’s Marine Collagen a great source of Type 1 collagen sourced from Canadian Cod. Both are fantastic for the health of nails. Incorporating collagen into your daily routine could be a key step toward healthier nails. Whether you’re aiming to prevent brittle nails or want to maintain stronger, more resilient ones, collagen supplementation offers a promising solution. In our next post, we’ll share practical tips on how to add collagen to your wellness routine to boost your nail health. Stay tuned! References: https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Beauty-from-within%3A-A-Review-of-the-Science-behind-Polonini-Dijkers/a80963398b517e711fa710862ccd632ab28bbb59 https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/A-Nutritional-Supplement-Formulated-with-Peptides%2C-Yagoda-Gans/051bae733e3a8b1790d05f93862ed4412b5cadeb https://elicit.com/notebook/2ad3d1c6-e02f-4e31-9c07-289739b0a66d#1801c5ffe160d403e07987fe083b1902

The Power of Collagen for Stronger, Healthier Nails When we think of collagen, most of us immediately think of glowing skin and anti-aging benefits. But did you know that collagen can also work wonders for your nails? Collagen is a vital protein, supporting the strength and structure of our body’s tissues. Just as it helps with skin elasticity and hydration, collagen can also enhance nail strength and resilience. Hydrolyzed collagen (HC) is particularly effective for supporting nail health due to its low molecular weight, which enhances absorption. Organika’s Hydrolyzed Collagen, derived from grass-fed, pasture-raised cows, is processed to maximize bioavailability. Regular intake of HC has shown benefits for skin, like reducing wrinkles and improving elasticity (Proksch et al., 2013; de Miranda et al., 2021), and similar strengthening effects can extend to your nails as well. Recent studies specifically link collagen to nail health. Research indicates that oral collagen supplementation may increase nail growth and reduce brittleness. For example, a study found that bioactive collagen peptides enhanced nail growth and reduced brittle nail symptoms (Hexsel et al., 2017). Another study showed that a supplement containing peptides, lipids, collagen, and hyaluronic acid significantly improved nail brittleness, cracking, and softness after just 8 weeks (Yagoda & Gans, 2012). This evidence aligns with findings on collagen’s broader benefits for protein-based tissues like nails and skin. Interestingly, the connection between nail health and overall structural integrity in the body is being explored further. A pilot study even linked nail properties with bone health, noting that individuals with low bone mineral density also had weaker nail structures (Pillay et al., 2005). This suggests that collagen may play a role in supporting both nail and bone health, likely due to its impact on protein metabolism and structural strength. If nail growth or bone density is of a concern to you, Orgnaika’s Enhanced Collagen Pure Beauty contains Hyaluronic Acid, Silica, Vitamin C, and Zinc all great for not only nail growth but hair and skin too. For extra nourishment for bone and joints, try Organika’s Enhanced Collagen Bone & Joint, a great combo that contains hefty doses of Glucosamine, MSM, and Chondroitin. In our next post, we’ll explore how collagen functions within your body to support overall wellness and provide tips on incorporating it into your routine for both strong nails and broader health benefits. References: https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Oral-supplementation-with-specific-bioactive-nail-Hexsel-Zague/a0c1a6b3d3e8d6ba27fb09b0dfc82aa02e376541 https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Myths-and-media-in-oral-collagen-supplementation-A-Rustad-Nickles/3318a8aeba0f516db90daa2cbe468e8a77d947b5 https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/A-Nutritional-Supplement-Formulated-with-Peptides%2C-Yagoda-Gans/051bae733e3a8b1790d05f93862ed4412b5cadeb

What’s the difference? Which one do I need? The word collagen and protein do go together, but there is sometimes confusion around if they are the same thing.They are indeed different. They both cannot be consumed for the same reason; they serve different purposes. Let’s dive in... Collagen vs. Protein Powder Although collagen is a protein, it is not a complete protein. That means collagen does not have all the nine essential amino acids (the building blocks of protein). Protein powders serve the purpose of being consumed as part of your daily protein intake; therefore, it is a complete protein. Collagen serves a specific function, hence it contains specific amino acids, such as glycine and proline. What does that mean? It means, collagen isn’t consumed for the same purpose as protein powder. It is taken specifically as a function/benefit to replenish the lost collagen in the body. Whereas protein powder counts towards your daily macronutrients. Both are important. Why Use Collagen Powder Collagen is the most abundant protein found in the human body, in fact, there are multiple types of collagen. It is a structural protein that allows your skin to have elasticity, muscles to have buoyancy, joints and connective tissues to have flexibility, hair to have strength. However, as you age the amount of collagen your body produces and has decreases. That is why collagen supplementation is key. You cannot get enough amino acids to make more collagen from the conventional ways of eating protein. This is because collagen resides in ligaments, skin, bones, cartilage, and tendons... which are not consumed regularly. Also, it’s unlikely that you will consume enough glycine, for example, for your body to synthesize new collagen on its own. When to use collagen or protein powder If you are looking to increase your protein intake, build muscle mass, you may want to add protein powders into smoothies or recipes to help you reach your macronutrient goals. However, if you are not in that boat, you may not need to supplement with all the amino acids to rebuild new muscle. If you want to improve your joints, muscle recovery, hair, skin, and nails... then collagen is your best bet. With a protein powder, you get all amino acids to reach protein needs. With collagen, you are supplementing what you've lost so that you can improve and enhance your longevity and feel good from the inside out. And yes... you can use both. Just be sure to manage how much protein you are taking in one day to not exceed your daily maximums. For more questions on your nutritional needs, please contact us at care@organika.com and we would be happy to guide your or put you in touch with an RHN.