You've probably heard of biotin and collagen before - they're two of the most popular supplements today. But what are they, and what do they do when combined together?

Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin. Biotin is also a form of vitamin B7. Biotin is sometimes referred as vitamin H. It plays a role in enzymes and how they help break down fats.* It can be produced naturally by the gut bacteria in your digestive system. Biotin may also be essential for the synthesis of DNA and RNA.*

Biotin

Biotin may help your body with amino acids by promoting their metabolization. For example, biotin might play a role in keratin creation through the metabolization process of amino acids.

One study showed that low level of biotin might lead to hair shedding.* In another study, a potential role of biotin on hair growth was established.*

We can find biotin in many of the food we consume every day.

Some good food sources of biotin include:

• Eggs
• Salmon
• Broccoli
• Peanuts

Collagen

Collagen is a protein that's found in your skin, hair, bones, and connective tissues. It's also found in food sources like meat, fish, and poultry.

The relation between biotin and collagen

So, what's the connection between biotin and collagen? Biotin may help your body generate and produce collagen.* That's why you can find biotin supplements to be used as "vegan collagen boosters." 

The combination of collagen and biotin could also support the body's ability to generate keratin.* Amino acids are one of the principal building blocks of keratin, and both biotin and collagen are involved with amino acids.

Collagen supplements, on the other hand, are direct sources of collagen protein. About 30% or more of the protein content of our body is made with collagen.

When you take a collagen supplement, you intend to supplement collagen with the collagen you naturally get from foods. This could help support your skin, hair, bones, digestion, and joints comfort.* 

A study showed for example, that collagen could help promote hydration and have an impact on skin wrinkles.* Another study showed that collagen might play an active role in promoting gut and intestinal health.*

In general, collagen could also play a role in bone density in our body.* Always remember that collagen and biotin can be received in adequate amounts from food alone. You may also want to learn about hyaluronic acid.

Both biotin and collagen can play a role for overall wellness.* So if you're looking to support your overall health, add biotin or collagen to your regimen, or target specific areas like skin, hair, or bones, consider taking supplements containing both biotin and collagen.*

As always, before taking any supplements, talk to your doctor about whether taking supplements would be right for you.