What is the Difference Between Biotin and Collagen

The main difference between biotin and collagen is that biotin is the vitamin B7 or vitamin H whereas collagen is a fibrous protein found in bones, muscles, tendons, and skin. Furthermore, biotin is important in cell growth and fatty acid metabolism while collagen provides structural support and strength.  

Biotin and collagen are two dietary supplements used to keep youthful skin, shiny hair, stronger nails, improved joint function, and healthy digestion. 

Key Areas Covered 

1. What is Biotin
     – Definition, Structure, Function
2. What is Collagen
     – Definition, Structure, Function
3. What are the Similarities Between Biotin and Collagen
     – Outline of Common Features
4. What is the Difference Between Biotin and Collagen
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms 

Biotin, Coenzyme, Collagen, Connective Tissue, Dietary Supplement, Fibrous Protein 

What is Biotin 

Biotin is the general name for vitamin B7, a type of B vitamin. Other names for biotin are vitamin H and coenzyme R. Generally, biotin assists a range of metabolic reactions, transferring carbon dioxide between molecules. It is involved in the metabolism of both carbohydrates and fat. Therefore, it is important to maintain a steady blood sugar level. Biotin also affects cell growth.  

Figure 1: Biotin

However, many food items contain biotin while intestinal bacteria also produce biotin. Therefore, biotin deficiency is a rare situation. 

What is Collagen 

Collagen is the most abundant protein in a mammal’s body. It is a fibrous protein found in the extracellular matrix of the connective tissue. Therefore, most of the fibrous tissue such as bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons contain collagen. Besides, collagen occurs in corneas, gut, blood vessels, intervertebral discs, and the dentin of the teeth. Fibroblasts in these locations synthesize collagen.  

Figure 2: Collagen in the Skin

Furthermore, the main function of collagen is to provide structural support and strength to the body. Also, it plays a vital role in wound healing. Since its production decreases with age, collagen comes in the form of dietary supplements. When cooked, collagen in food turns into gelatin, which consists of a unique amino acid content including glycine, proline, valine, hydroxyproline and glutamic acid. However, hydrolyzed collagen is the easiest form of collagen to be absorbed by the body. In general, dietary supplements contain this type form of collagen, which can increase the thickness of hair. It can also tighten and increase the elasticity of the skin.  

Similarities Between Biotin and Collagen 

• Biotin and collagen are two types of dietary supplements which work together to keep skin, nail, and hair healthy. 
• They are widely used as both healthcare and beauty care supplements. 

Difference Between Biotin and Collagen 

Definition 

Biotin refers to a vitamin of the B complex, found in egg yolk, liver, and yeast involved in the synthesis of fatty acids and glucose while collagen refers to the main structural protein found in skin and other connective tissues, widely used in a purified form for cosmetic surgical treatments.  Thus, this is the main difference between biotin and collagen.

Significance 

While biotin is vitamin B7 (vitamin H or coenzyme R), collagen is a fibrous protein. 

Solubility 

Solubility is another difference between biotin and collagen. Biotin is soluble in water but, collagen is insoluble in water. 

Functional Significance 

Moreover, biotin is a vital coenzyme in metabolism while collagen is the most abundant protein in mammals. 

Function 

Biotin has a role in metabolizing carbohydrates and fat, influencing cell growth, and affecting amino acids involved in protein synthesis while collagen serves as the main structural protein in the extracellular matrix of various connective tissue in the body. Hence, this is an important difference between biotin and collagen.

Role 

Furthermore, biotin strengthens nails, stimulates hair growth, and clears up seborrheic dermatitis while collagen reduces cellulite and wrinkles in the skin and stimulates hair growth. 

Natural Sources 

Egg yolks, sardines, almonds, walnuts, pecans, brewer’s yeast, peanuts, beans, cauliflower, sweet potato, bananas, avocado, mushrooms, and whole grains contain biotin while hydrolyzed collagen is not available in food. So, this is one other difference between biotin and collagen.

Conclusion 

Biotin refers to the vitamin B7, which serves as a coenzyme for the enzymes involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fat. It is important for cell growth as well. In comparison, collagen is the most abundant protein in the mammal’s body. Also, it is the main structural protein in the extracellular matrix of connective tissue. Collagen provides structural support and strength to bones, muscles, and tendons. Both biotin and collagen are vital dietary supplements which maintain the health of the hair, nails, and skin. However, the main difference between biotin and collagen is the type of compound and the function in the body.

References:

1. Catlett, Tess. “Biotin for Hair Growth: Does It Work?” Healthline, 6 Apr. 2017. Available Here.
2. McIntosh, James. “Collagen: What Is It and What Are Its Uses?” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 16 June 2017, Available Here.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Biotin structure” By User:Mysid – Own work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia  
2. “Younger skin vs older skin” By Lieslecath – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia  

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