Evidence supporting the use of: Marine protein
For the body system: Hair
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Marine protein is used to support hair health primarily due to its content of bioactive peptides, amino acids, and sometimes collagen derived from marine sources such as fish. Several scientific studies have investigated oral supplementation with marine-derived proteins, hydrolyzed collagen, and related compounds for their effects on hair growth, strength, and appearance. While some small clinical trials and pilot studies suggest that marine protein supplements may improve hair density, reduce hair shedding, and enhance hair thickness—especially in women with thinning hair—the overall quality of evidence is moderate and not yet definitive. Most studies focus on multi-ingredient formulations (e.g., Viviscal), which include marine protein along with other nutrients like biotin and vitamin C, making it difficult to attribute effects solely to marine protein.
The hypothesized mechanisms involve providing essential amino acids for keratin synthesis and delivering specific peptides that may stimulate hair follicle activity. However, larger, independent, and longer-term studies are needed to confirm these findings. Marine protein is not traditionally used in herbal medicine for hair health, but its scientific basis is growing, albeit modestly. Therefore, while there is some scientific support for the use of marine protein in hair health supplements, the evidence is limited and not universally accepted in the medical community.
Other ingredients that support Hair
AlgaeAlkanna
amino acids
animal protein
argan nut oil
ashwagandha
babchi
bamboo
beef
Beef liver
biotin
black seed
bladderwrack
bovine protein
castile soap
ceramides
Cetearyl alcohol
Chinese fleeceflower
collagen
copper
curry leaf
Cymbopogon martini
Cystine
DL-Methionine
Drynaria
Eclipta
egg
Egg protein
emu oil
fatty acids
ferritin
fish
fish oil
fish protein
fo-ti
gamma linolenic acid (GLA)
garden cress
ginseng
gooseberry
gotu kola
henna
herbal blend (proprietary)
horsetail
iron
jojoba oil
kelp
keratin
L-cysteine
L-cystine
L-lysine
L-methionine
L-proline
lingzhi
lipids
Maidenhair Fern
Marine protein
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)
Miliacin
Molasses
Nettle
Nigella seed
omega-3 fatty acids
omega-6 fatty acids
PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid)
Panthenol
pantothenic acid (vitamin B5)
Peptides
pollen
Polygonum
polypeptide complex (proprietary)
protein
pumpkin
Quinoa Protein
riboflavin (vitamin B2)
rosemary
sage
Salmon Oil
Sapindus mukorossi
saw palmetto
seaweed
selenium
Selenomethionine
silica
silicon
Silk protein
sunflower
Tea Tree Oil
trace minerals
Tridax
Vegetable Protein
vitamin A
vitamin B
vitamin B12
vitamin B6
vitamin C
vitamin D
vitamin E
wheat germ
Zinc
Zinc
Other body systems supported by Marine protein
BrainGastrointestinal Tract
Hair
Heart
Immune System
Joints
Muscles
Nails
Skin
