NatureCity Journal
VOLUME 22 • ISSUE 4 • EARLY SUMMER 2026
NatureCity Journal
VOLUME 22 • ISSUE 3 • SPRING 2026
NatureCity Journal
VOLUME 22 • ISSUE 3 • SPRING 2026
Biotin and Silica: New Study Shows Benefits for Hair, Skin & Nails
Biotin and Silica: New Study Shows Benefits for Hair, Skin & Nails
Biotin and Silica: New Study Shows Benefits for Hair, Skin & Nails
Hair thinning and excess shedding are common concerns, especially as we age. While genetics and hormones play a role, nutrition is also a key factor in maintaining healthy hair growth and appearance.
Two nutrients that have long been associated with hair health are biotin and silica.
Now, a newly published clinical study provides stronger evidence supporting their benefits — particularly when used together.
In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in Cureus, researchers evaluated the effects of plant-based biotin and silica on hair, skin, and nail health over a 90-day period.
A total of 105 participants were enrolled, with 97 completing the study. Participants were divided into three groups:
- A placebo group
- A group receiving plant-based biotin
- A group receiving a combination of plant-based biotin and plant-derived silica
The total daily biotin intake was 2.5mg, and the combination group also received 40 mg of silica (these amounts were taken across two servings each day).
What the Researchers Found
After 90 days, participants taking biotin and silica experienced:
- A measurable reduction in hair shedding (loss)
- A significant increase in hair growth rate Improvements in hair thickness and density
In addition to hair benefits, participants also showed improvements in:
- Skin elasticity, hydration, and wrinkle appearance
- Nail smoothness and strength
These findings are important because they demonstrate visible changes in multiple areas that share similar structural and nutritional requirements.
Why These Nutrients Matter
Hair follicles are among the most metabolically active structures in the body. To function properly, they require a steady supply of nutrients that support both growth and structure.
Biotin plays a key role in metabolism and is essential for the production of keratin — the protein that forms the structure of hair. It also supports cellular energy processes that help sustain the hair growth cycle.
Silica, on the other hand, contributes to collagen formation and connective tissue strength. It helps support the structural integrity of hair strands and the tissues that anchor hair follicles within the scalp.
Together, these nutrients address both sides of healthy hair — growth and structure.
From Research to Real-World Use
One notable aspect of the study is that it used plant-based forms of both nutrients. The biotin was derived from Sesbania grandiflora, and the silica from bamboo (Bambusa arundinacea).
These ingredients — known as RGen-Bio® and RGen-Si® — are included in NatureCity’s TrueNuGrow+ formula in the same daily amounts used in this research study.
By combining scientifically studied ingredients at effective levels, along with additional nutrients that support hair and skin health, TrueNuGrow+ is designed to provide comprehensive support from multiple angles.
Hair thinning and changes in appearance can be frustrating, but they are often influenced by underlying nutritional factors.
This new study provides encouraging evidence that targeted nutrients like biotin and silica may help support healthier hair growth, while also benefiting skin and nails.
When used at scientifically studied levels, these nutrients may offer a practical and effective way to support your appearance — from the inside out.
Vitamin K2 May Help Muscle Recovery in Older Adults
Vitamin K2 is known for supporting bone and cardiovascular health, but new studies are evaluating other potential benefits.
A new study published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise looked at vitamin K2’s effects on post-exercise muscle recovery in healthy younger and older adults.
Participants took 240mcg of vitamin K2 or a placebo for 12 weeks.
The researchers made assessments of muscle strength, soreness, and function, and blood tests for biomarkers of muscle damage and inflammation, before and after exercise.
Overall, vitamin K2 did not make a significant difference in the parameters tested.
However, in participants aged 65 and older, the researchers noted a significant improvement in post-exercise muscle control.
This resulted from improved neuromuscular signaling, which supports the nerve-muscle communication that helps maintain muscle control.
These effects were not observed in the placebo group, suggesting that vitamin K2 may support neuromuscular activation and signaling in older adults after exercise.
Vitamin K2 also helps promote bone strength, bone mineral density, and support artery and blood vessel health by helping to direct calcium where it belongs - in your bones, not your vascular system.
Moisturize and Soothe Your Skin With TrueAloeGel!
NatureCity® has taken the skin moisturizing and soothing benefits of Aloe vera and made it even better. Our TrueAloeGel™ offers double the potency of regular Aloe gel.
Almost everyone loves to use Aloe vera on their skin. The problem is many products advertised as Aloe vera gel contain little if any actual Aloe vera.
Marketers get away with this by using phrases like “made with 100% aloe” on the label – without telling you how much is used.
These other products aren’t even single strength, forget about the double strength potency you get in the TrueAloeGel™.
The TrueAloeGel™ is made with organically grown Aloe vera and processed without using high heat to give you maximum benefits.
It’s also free of parabens and other unwanted ingredients.
Now the best part… you’ll get a FREE bottle of TrueAloeGel™ when you purchase one of the Early Summer special offers.
Use it to soothe a burn, insect bite, rash or other skin problems and to keep your skin moisturized and looking its best.
Get Yours While Supplies Last!
Q&A - You Ask... We Answer!
Q: I am sensitive to niacin. Do you have any information on potential side-effects with your plant-based niacin?
A: The only side-effect we’re aware of is some users may experience what’s called the “niacin flush” if they take the product on an empty stomach. This is a temporary effect where certain areas of the skin (e.g. face, neck) may get red and tingly for an hour or so.
If this is the sensitivity you’re referring to, we’ve found if you take TrueB or our TrueMulti with food or after a meal, it usually doesn’t cause the niacin flush.
Q: How big is the TrueOmega-3 soft gel?
A: Each soft gel is about 7/8 of an inch long and relatively thin. They are flexible and most people find them easy to swallow. A serving is 2 soft gels.
Q: Why can’t you make TrueNuGrow+ gluten-free?
A: TrueNuGrow+ is gluten-free as indicated on the label. The Cerasmosides® ingredient is extracted from a wheat grain fraction, but a specific purification process results in total elimination of wheat and gluten residues.
Q: How much acemannan does TrueAloe contain?
A: We don’t isolate or standardize the acemannan, TrueAloe contains the full spectrum of nutrients naturally found in Aloe vera gel (which we believe maximizes health support).
Typically, total polysaccharides make up between 10% and 13% of the powder - and acemannan accounts for about 10% of the polysaccharides. Using this, we estimate a daily serving of the TrueAloe powder would provide 8mg to 11mg of acemannan.
Q: Can I open the TrueLife PB capsule and spread it on my food?
A: You can spread it on food - you just lose the benefit of the delayed release capsule, which doesn’t empty the powder until the capsule is leaving the stomach (protecting the live probiotics from stomach acid).
The probiotics we use in TrueLife PB are cultivated to resist stomach acid and digestive fluids, but the capsule provides extra protection. Swallowing the capsule is better, but spreading the powder on food is still beneficial.
In the News...
Herbal Combination May Help Liver Function. A new study in Frontiers in Nutrition found that healthy adults taking a 435mg blend of turmeric, milk thistle, dandelion root and ginger powder daily for 6 months experienced significant improvements in already-healthy liver enzyme levels, with no change in the placebo group. Healthier liver enzyme levels indicate better liver function and health. Those taking the herbal blend also experienced improvements in several markers of metabolic health.
Turmeric May Help Post-Exercise Muscle Soreness. A new study in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition reported that healthy adults between the ages of 25 and 45 who took 300mg of a turmeric extract for 5 days experienced reduced muscle soreness after intense exercise, compared with the placebo group. The turmeric group also experienced better muscle function and was able to maintain athletic performance.
Korean Blend May Help Skin Appearance. A study in the Journal of Medicinal Food found that women taking 500mg of a blend of Korean mint, goji berry and fig for 12 weeks resulted in better skin hydration, elasticity, and reduced appearance of wrinkles, on average, compared to taking 1,000mg of the mint. The women were 44 years old, on average.
Health Tips
Drinking Italian-Style Coffee May Help Liver. A study in Frontiers in Nutrition found that moderate daily drinking of Italian-style coffee (e.g. espresso brewing) had a protective effect on the liver, specifically related to conditions associated with metabolic dysfunction. Significant benefits were experienced when drinking just one cup a day and seemed to peak at 3 cups daily. The researchers suggested that the espresso brewing method allows for higher retention of key nutrients and antioxidants compared to filtered or instant preparations, which may help explain the liver support. Also, the Arabica beans used in Italy are richer in antioxidants.
Raspberries linked to Post-Meal Blood Sugar Support. A study in the British Journal of Nutrition found that adding a cup of red raspberries to a carbohydrate rich meal may help curb the post-meal blood sugar and insulin spikes, while also helping short-term cognitive performance in older overweight adults. The effects may be attributed to the combined actions of the dietary fiber and polyphenols naturally present in whole raspberries. Types of polyphenols, called anthocyanins, are likely responsible for the cognitive support.
Reviews from You!
“TrueOmega-3 Works!”
“This product is so beneficial and it really works. It does not leave a fishy taste afterwards either."
– Sharon,Verified Customer
“Been Using TrueLife PB for Years”
“I have been using this probiotic for years and have had the best results from taking it compared to others I have tried.
I highly recommend it."
– Patricia,Verified Customer
CHECK OUR LATEST MONTHLY SPECIALS
and Get a FREE Bottle of TrueAloeGel™!
With the warmer weather coming soon, you know how important it is to keep your skin hydrated. That’s why you’ll love the free gift that comes with this month’s special offers. It’s a FREE bottle of our double strength TrueAloeGel™. Get yours while supplies last!
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