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   

Understanding the difference between collagen and protein powder can help you make better choices for your wellness goals, whether that’s muscle growth, skin and joint support, or daily protein intake. Although both contain amino acids and count as proteins, they serve very different purposes in your diet and body.  What Is Collagen?  Collagen is the most abundant structural protein in the body, found in skin, bones, cartilage, tendons, hair, and nails. It provides strength, elasticity, and support to connective tissues.   Unlike many protein powders (like whey or plant proteins), collagen:  Is not a complete protein, it doesn’t contain all nine essential amino acids.   Is rich in specific amino acids such as glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline, which help support tissues and structures throughout the body.   Why take collagen powder?  May support skin hydration and elasticity  Helps maintain joint comfort and mobility  Supports gut health  Offers structural amino acids that can decline with age  What Is Protein Powder?  In contrast to collagen, most protein powders  (including whey, plant-based, egg and casein) are designed to help you meet daily protein requirements and support functions like muscle maintenance, repair and growth. Protein powders differ based on their amino acid profile, digestibility, dietary preferences and goals.  Scientific research indicates that both animal and plant proteins can support muscle mass and strength gains when total protein intake is adequate, although animal protein often shows a modest advantage in lean mass development due to higher essential amino acid availability (Santini, M, 2025).  Protein powders are often used to support:  Reaching daily protein goals  Muscle recovery and strength gains  Weight management and satiety  Convenient nutrition when whole foods aren’t available  Which One Should You Choose?  When you’re choosing between collagen powder and a more traditional protein powder, it really comes down to what you’re trying to support in your life and body, not that one is “better” than the other for everyone.  If your main goal is to meet daily protein needs, support muscle recovery after workouts, or build strength over time, a more complete protein powder (whether that’s whey or a thoughtfully blended plant-based option) tends to fit those needs more directly. These powders are formulated with all the essential amino acids your body looks for when it’s rebuilding and repairing tissues after movement or exercise.  On the other hand, if you’re more focused on things like skin resilience, joint comfort, or connective tissue support, collagen protein can feel like a more tailored choice. Because it’s rich in specific amino acids that your body uses for structural proteins like collagen in skin and cartilage, many people find it helpful as a complement to their overall routine.  Some individuals choose to use both. For example, a general protein powder after workouts to support muscle and strength goals, and collagen at other times to support skin, joint, or tissue health. There’s nothing stopping you from combining them, as long as you’re keeping an eye on your overall protein intake and how you feel. Everyone’s body and priorities are a little different, so it can be worth experimenting to find what feels best for you.  Goal  Recommended  Muscle building and athletic performance  Protein powder  Skin, joints, hair, nails  Collagen powder  Balanced dietary protein  Protein powder  Targeted connective tissue support  Collagen    References  Santini, M. H., Erwig Leitão, A., Mazzolani, B. C., Smaira, F. I., de Souza, M. S. C., Santamaria, A., Gualano, B., & Roschel, H. (2025). Similar effects between animal-based and plant-based protein blend as complementary dietary protein on muscle adaptations to resistance training: findings from a randomized clinical trial. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 22(1), 2568047. https://doi.org/10.1080/15502783.2025.2568047