There are many dietary supplements available at health food stores and online to help improve hair, skin and nail health. As with any supplement, however, exercise caution and always consult your doctor before taking any nutritional supplements. Bear in mind that most supplements are not FDA approved and may have unpleasant side effects.
Drug Interactions
While some hair, skin and nail supplements cause only minor side effects, some, such as borage oil and MSM, may cause detrimental drug interactions. Both of these supplements can interfere with blood-thinning medications such as aspirin and warfarin. The problem arises because the supplements cause a similar effect which enhances the action of the medication, which then results in the reduction of the blood's ability to clot.
Toxicity
In a 2008 study published in the journal "Lipids," borage oil showed some promise for treating skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis. Borage oil contains GLA, an omega-6 fatty acid. These essential fatty acids act as the gatekeepers for cells, controlling what substances pass through cell membranes. However, in addition to GLA, borage oil also contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, or PAs. According to WholeHealthMD.com, PAs can potentially cause liver problems and may have cancer-causing properties.
Digestive Issues
Many hair, nail and skin supplements contain oils which are believed to lubricate and soften dry hair or nails. Some supplements, such as flaxseed oil, while beneficial, can cause flatulence or stomach upset. Fish oil can help treat skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, but some people find the fishy aftertaste disagreeable.
Evening primrose oil may be effective for treating atopic dermatitis, but some individuals report nausea and stomach upset from taking this skin supplement.
References
- Whole Health MD: Borage Oil
- "Lipids"; Oral Administration of Dihomo-γ-Linolenic Acid Prevents Development of Atopic Dermatitis in NC/Nga Mice; H. Kawashima, et al.; January 2008
- Mayo Clinic: Evening Primrose Oil
- "Principles of Anatomy and Physiology"; G. Tortora and S. Reynolds Grabowski; 1996
- Mayo Clinic: Flaxseed and Flaxseed Oil
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