Collagen supplementation has been discussed a lot on social media it but lacks substantial scientific evidence. Collagen is a protein that plays a crucial role in the structure of our hair, skin, and nails. Some people believe that taking collagen supplements can help improve hair health and slow hair loss. This may not be true.
Absorption of collagen
Collagen is a protein and the body cannot absorb it in its whole form. It gets broken down by enzymes in the gut into smaller amino acids and peptides before these are absorbed into the blood stream. This means that collagen in powder or tablet form will be broken down in the gut.
Importantly, it’s impossible to determine in advance where collagen peptides or broken down amino acids will be used in the body, or even if they will be used to produce collagen at all. Collagen peptides can be used for the synthesis of other proteins.
Consumers often take collagen to achieve a specific benefit, such as improving skin elasticity or joint function. Our bodies have a way of prioritizing. So if we need protein for wound healing, that’s going to be the body’s number one priority in terms of where it’s going to allocate amino acids and build a protein. We might be taking a collagen supplement for our hair, but once we digest and absorb it, it becomes part of the amino acid pool and get used where they’re needed.
For the purpose of hair loss treatment, there is not enough robust large scale evidence to recommend collagen supplements.
It’s important to note that the effectiveness of supplements can vary greatly from person to person, and what works for one person might not work for another. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.