Hydrolysed Keratin
Also known as: Hydrolyzed keratin, Keratin hydrolysate, Soluble keratin, Hydrolysed Keratin
Overview
Hydrolysed keratin is a protein-derived supplement created by breaking down keratin, a fibrous structural protein found in hair, nails, and skin, into smaller peptides and amino acids. This process enhances its solubility and bioavailability. Derived from sources like poultry feathers, wool, or hair, it's rich in cysteine and other amino acids crucial for keratin synthesis. Primarily used to support hair, skin, and nail health, it's also explored as a protein supplement for lean body mass. Research, while emerging, suggests potential benefits for skin roughness, elasticity, nail quality, and lean mass gains. It is characterized by a high free amino acid content, particularly cysteine, and its water-soluble nature facilitates absorption. Further research is needed to fully establish its efficacy and long-term effects.
Benefits
Hydrolysed keratin has shown promise in improving skin and nail health. A 90-day randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial found that 500 or 1000 mg/day of feather keratin hydrolysate significantly improved skin roughness, wrinkle features, skin elasticity, thickness, density, gloss, hair and nail quality, and nail hardness in adult women compared to a placebo. Additionally, research indicates potential benefits for increasing lean body mass. A controlled trial in physically active adults demonstrated that soluble keratin supplementation led to a statistically significant increase in bone-free lean mass and leg lean mass compared to casein protein supplementation. Furthermore, it may improve hair loss treatment efficacy when combined with standard drug therapies.
How it works
Hydrolysed keratin works by providing bioavailable cysteine and other amino acids essential for keratin synthesis in skin, hair, and nails. These amino acids support the formation of collagen and keratin matrices, enhancing the structural integrity of integumentary tissues. The hydrolysed form's water solubility and high free amino acid content facilitate absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. It interacts with keratinocytes and fibroblasts in the skin, hair follicle cells, and muscle tissue, promoting protein synthesis and supporting overall tissue health. This mechanism contributes to improved skin elasticity, nail strength, and potentially lean mass gains.
Side effects
Hydrolysed keratin is generally considered safe, with no significant adverse events reported in controlled clinical trials. Common side effects have not been documented in the reviewed studies. Uncommon and rare side effects are also not documented. There are no known drug interactions, but caution is advised when combining it with other amino acid supplements. No contraindications have been established. However, safety in pregnant or breastfeeding women has not been well studied, so caution is advised for these populations. Overall, hydrolysed keratin appears to be well-tolerated, but further research is needed to fully assess its long-term safety profile and potential side effects in diverse populations.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose of hydrolysed keratin is 500 mg/day, which has been shown to be effective for skin and nail benefits. Optimal dosage ranges are between 500 and 1000 mg/day, as used in clinical trials. The maximum safe dose is not well established, but doses up to 1000 mg/day appear to be safe. It is recommended to take it daily via oral supplementation, and benefits have been observed after approximately 3 months. Oral capsules or powders containing feather keratin hydrolysate or soluble keratin are common forms. The hydrolysed form enhances bioavailability. Adequate dietary protein and micronutrients, such as biotin and iron, may support keratin synthesis.
FAQs
Is hydrolysed keratin safe for daily use?
Yes, clinical trials report no significant adverse effects at doses up to 1000 mg/day, suggesting it is safe for daily use within recommended dosages.
How long does it take to see results?
Skin and nail improvements typically appear after 3 months of consistent supplementation. Lean mass gains may be noticeable within approximately 12 weeks.
Can it improve hair loss?
Supplements containing hydrolysed keratin-related amino acids may enhance the efficacy of standard hair loss treatments when used in combination.
Is it better than collagen supplements?
Hydrolysed keratin provides specific amino acids critical for keratin synthesis, complementing collagen supplements which target the skin's extracellular matrix. They serve different but related functions.
Does it improve exercise performance?
Current research does not indicate significant improvements in endurance or exercise performance with hydrolysed keratin supplementation alone.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39367631/ – This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial demonstrated that supplementation with 500 or 1000 mg/day of feather keratin hydrolysate significantly improved skin roughness, elasticity, thickness, gloss, hair and nail quality, and nail hardness in adult women compared to a placebo. The study highlights the potential of hydrolysed keratin as a supplement for enhancing skin and nail health.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6161438/ – This controlled trial in physically active adults found that soluble keratin supplementation increased bone-free lean mass by 0.88 kg and leg lean mass by 0.45 kg compared to casein protein, without affecting fat mass or exercise performance. The results suggest that soluble keratin may be a beneficial supplement for promoting lean mass gains in physically active individuals.
- https://ift.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1541-4337.13087 – This comprehensive review of keratin as an alternative protein source, including its supplementation effects, indicates that keratin is a promising protein supplement with potential benefits for lean mass and integumentary health. However, the review emphasizes the need for more high-quality RCTs to provide conclusive evidence regarding its efficacy.
- https://jcadonline.com/natural-hair-supplements-trends-myths/ – This article discusses trends and myths surrounding natural hair supplements, potentially providing context on the use of keratin in hair health products. It may offer insights into the broader landscape of hair supplements and the role of keratin within it.
- https://www.dermatologytimes.com/view/amino-acid--containing-supplement-may-improve-clinical-efficacy-of-hair-loss-treatments – This article suggests that an amino acid-containing supplement, including hydrolysed collagen and keratin-related amino acids, may improve the clinical efficacy of hair loss treatments. It highlights the potential synergistic effects of hydrolysed keratin when combined with other therapies for hair loss.
