Healthy Hair
Keratin is the primary component found in hair. The body uses amino acids to produce keratin; some are found in collagen. When consumed, the body breaks down collagen into amino acids, which will be used to create new proteins and other compounds. Three non-essential amino acids (hydroxyproline, glycine, and proline) primarily make collagen up. Proline is keratin’s primary component, and taking proline-rich collagen could be beneficial to improve hair growth.
Collagen could also protect hair follicles against damage due to free radicals. Free radicals are often caused by stress, poor diet, air pollutants, and other environmental factors. Studies have shown that these free radicals negatively impact hair follicles. Older people are specifically prone to hair damage since the body’s ability to fight free radicals decreases with age. Antioxidants are needed to prevent this from happening.
Numerous test-tube research showed that collagen has potent antioxidant activity, specifically from fish scales. In the findings of one study, marine collagen could defend the body against four free radicals. Another study implied that collagen is an effective antioxidant compared to those found in tea. However, experts cautioned that more research is required as the studies were only conducted in isolated cells.
