Study: Eggshell Membrane Ingredient Has Hair and Skin Health Benefits

In recent news and medical research discoveries, there may be a new beauty ingredient trending in the world of health and wellness: eggshell membrane.

One in particular from Biova, is a water-soluble eggshell membrane that was found to increase elasticity of skin, reduce wrinkles, improve moisture, reduce free-radicals and oxidative stress.

A recent study, published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, looked at the impact of oral hydrolyzed eggshell membranes on the appearance of hair, skin, and nails among health middle-aged adults. The randomized study involved 88 participants who were analyzed for over a 12-week period. The title of the scientific study, “The effect of oral hydrolyzed eggshell membrane on the appearance of hair, skin, and nails in healthy middle‐aged adults”, was a randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled clinical trial that produced profound implications.

According to the results of the study, ingestion of the oral hydrolyzed eggshell membrane was associated with a significant improvement in facial skin appearance over for weeks, and skin tone over the 8 weeks. The substance also had a positive impact on the thickness of hair, with reduced hair thickness, and improved growth.

In a Nutra World report, Biova CEO Pat Schneider stated that the brand is “very excited” concerning the results of the study and feels that BiovaB.I.O. (Beauty-Inside-Out) demonstrates anti-aging benefits and that it is a “superb” competitor in the hair, skin, and nails supplement field. His full comment was:

“We are very excited about the results of this study and feel that the significant anti-ageing benefits demonstrated by BiovaBIO make it a superb competitor in the Hair, Skin and Nails supplement category.” […] “Additionally, BiovaBIO will be an excellent complement to our existing topical cosmetic beauty ingredient, BiovaDerm. Together, our two ingredients offer a total system of both inner and outer beauty results.”

Nova Southeastern University's Dr. Douglas Kalman and Central Michigan University's Dr. Susan Hewlings added commentary on the studies results:

“The eggshell membrane, including the hydrolyzed water‐soluble eggshell membrane, is known to be rich sources of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs),” ​[…] “Prior research has noted that GAGs as found in the Study Product can impact skin hydration and hydration through increased collagen and HA [hyaluronic acid] levels, by reducing matrix metalloproteinase activity, inhibition of collagenase and elastase, while reducing local skin inflammation.” […] “Within the confines of this study, the study product (BiovaBio) was observed to have a good safety profile. There were no serious adverse events or related adverse events in this study. There is a long history of use of eggshell membrane in the food supply including in dietary supplement form.”

Eggshell membrane is also garnering praise in other health studies, where recently a study was published in the Journal of Arthritis about a patented eggshell membrane extract by the name of NEM that was shown to lower pain and reduce stiffness in osteoarthritis (OA) patients joints. The senior director of Scientific & Regulatory Affairs for Stratum Nutrition, Kevin J. Ruff PhD, MBA, added:

“This is the largest study conducted to date involving NEM and we are pleased that it was supportive of its fast time to efficacy, even in subjects with moderate to severe arthritis. This, combined with its cartilage protecting effects recently demonstrated in healthy individuals, makes NEM the perfect adjunctive therapy for those with joint issues,”

So not only has eggshell membrane been shown to enhance beauty qualities in hair and skin, but also may provide joint pain relief for those suffering from chronic pain conditions. Be on the look out for this up and coming emerging nutri-cosmetic ingredient as water-soluble eggshell membrane could be capturing market share in the beauty industry for providing collagen, elastin, glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) vital polysaccharides, hyaluronic acid (HA) and transforming growth factor proteins to reduce oxidative stress. According to Biova, the clinically-proven BiovaBIO eggshell membrane can be put into multiple ingestible applications such as tablets, gummies/chews, capsules, powders, drinks, stick packs, confectionary and effervescent.