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
amino acidsashwagandha
bamboo
biotin
bovine gelatin
ceramides
collagen
copper
fish oil
fish protein
gamma linolenic acid (GLA)
gelatin
ginseng
gooseberry
gotu kola
horsetail
iron
kelp
l-cysteine
l-cystine
l-lysine
l-methionine
l-proline
methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)
nettle
omega-3 fatty acids
omega-6 fatty acids
PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid)
pantothenic acid (vitamin B5)
pollen
polypeptide complex (proprietary)
protein
pumpkin
riboflavin (vitamin B2)
rosemary
sage
saw palmetto
selenium
silicon
keratin
vitamin A
vitamin B
vitamin B12
vitamin B6
vitamin C
vitamin D
vitamin E
seaweed
zinc
zinc
lingzhi
sunflower
trace minerals
wheat germ
herbal blend (proprietary)
algae
bladderwrack
Argan nut oil
Alkanna
Animal protein
Black Seed
Babchi
Beef
Beef liver
Bovine Protein
Curry leaf
Cetearyl alcohol
Chinese Fleeceflower
Cymbopogon Martini
Castile Soap
Cystine
DL-Methionine
Drynaria
Egg
Eclipta
Emu Oil
Egg protein
Molasses
Quinoa Protein
Silk protein
Other body systems supported by Marine Protein
BrainGastrointestinal Tract
Hair
Heart
Immune System
Joints
Muscles
Nails
Skin