Health Guide

Hydrolyzed keratin

Keratin is the fibrous protein that makes up your hair, skin, and nails. Think of it as your body's natural structural scaffolding. However, eating regular keratin (like from hair or wool) is useless; it's too tough for your body to break down. **Hydrolyzed Keratin** is the game-changer. Through a process called hydrolysis, this protein is broken down into tiny fragments (peptides and amino acids) that your body can actually absorb and utilize. It acts as a targeted booster, providing the specific building blocks your body needs to reinforce its outer layers.

Evidence BasedDietary Supplement

VERIFIED SOURCE

Bio-Activity Analysis

Amino Acid Bioavailability

SCIENTIFIC DATA VISUALIZATION

Y-Axis

Absorption Rate

Source Type →

Health Benefits & Sources

Why You Need It

Strengthens Hair: Reduces breakage and split ends by filling in gaps in the hair cuticle.
Boosts Elasticity: Helps hair stretch without snapping, reducing fallout during brushing.
Nail Reinforcement: Provides amino acids needed for harder, less brittle nails.
Skin Barrier Support: Helps maintain skin hydration and resilience.

Deep Dive

When you take Hydrolyzed Keratin, you aren't swallowing whole hair; you are consuming a highly bioavailable blend of amino acids, specifically Cysteine and Methionine. These are the 'sulfur-rich' heavy lifters required to build strong keratin chains. Studies suggest that these peptides can accumulate in the hair follicle, signaling the body to build a stronger hair shaft from the inside out. It’s particularly effective for reversing damage caused by heat styling and chemical treatments.

Natural Food Sources

Unlike vitamins found in specific fruits, keratin is a protein. The strategy isn't to eat keratin directly, but to eat foods rich in the precursors (specific amino acids) that your body uses to synthesize keratin.

Food	Amount	Amino Acid Focus
Eggs	6g protein per egg	Cysteine & Biotin
Brazil Nuts	1oz serving	Selenium (protects keratin)
Sweet Potatoes	1 medium	Beta-carotene (supports scalp)
Spinach	1 cup cooked	Iron & Folate
Bone Broth	1 cup	Glycine & Proline (collagen support)

Supplementation

Dosage: Typical clinical dosages range from 500mg to 2,000mg daily. Timing: Consistency is key. Take it daily for at least 3–6 months for visible hair/nail results. Who should take it: Ideal for those experiencing thinning hair, slow nail growth, or post-chemo hair recovery.

Top Food Sources

Eggs

Best source of Cysteine

Brazil Nuts

Protects existing keratin

Spinach

Prevents brittle hair

Sweet Potato

Supports scalp health

Bone Broth

Rich in amino acids

Frequently Asked Questions

Usually not. It is most often derived from wool (sheep) or feathers (poultry). Look for 'Vegetarian Keratin' or plant-based amino acid blends if you avoid animal products.

It doesn't necessarily speed up growth rate (which is genetic), but it significantly improves the strength of the hair that does grow, reducing breakage so length retains.

Topical treatments coat the outside of the hair. Supplements work from the inside out to build the hair structure in the follicle.

Yes. It strengthens the hair shaft regardless of texture. However, because it smooths the cuticle, it may temporarily loosen curl patterns in some people.

Safety & Side Effects

Hydrolyzed Keratin is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA.

Side Effects: Rare. Mild digestive upset (nausea) can occur if taken on an empty stomach.

CRITICAL WARNING - Biotin Interaction: Many Keratin supplements contain added Biotin. High doses of Biotin can interfere with lab tests, including thyroid and heart function tests. If you have a blood test scheduled, stop taking this supplement 3 days prior.

Scientific References

[1]Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology (2017): 'Efficacy of a specific oral supplement for hair growth and quality.'
[2]International Journal of Trichology (2015): 'Oral supplementation of specific bioactive peptides for hair loss.'
[3]FDA: Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) notifications for keratin hydrolysates.