Strong, healthy fingernails are more than just an aesthetic pleasure--they are also an indicator of your health and nutritional status. If your nails are weak, peeling or brittle, or if they have unsightly ridges or spots, it is likely that your body is lacking adequate amounts of some critical nutrients. If you supply the vitamins and minerals you are lacking, your body will be healthier from head to toe, but as a side benefit you will be rewarded with healthier, stronger nails that you can be proud to display.
Vitamin A
A lack of vitamin A can cause nail dryness and brittleness. If your nails are breaking easily, you may want to consider supplementing with this vitamin. Vitamin A also helps your body utilize protein. if you are not processing protein properly, you may see more hangnails and other skin issues. Since your nails are composed of keratin, which is a protein, vitamin A is integral to strong, healthy nails. A lack of this vitamin can also slow nail growth in general.
Vitamin C
Small pieces or torn skin next to your nails, resulting in a painful, reddened area, are known as hangnails. If you find yourself experiencing these on a regular basis, you might want to consider supplementing with vitamin C. Deficiency of vitamin C can also cause general swelling of nail tissue.
Vitamin D and Calcium
Low levels of calcium or vitamin D can cause brittle and dry nails. The two are intertwined because low vitamin D levels tend to hinder absorption of calcium. Although calcium is technically not a vitamin, but rather a mineral, it is a factor in nail strength.
Biotin and Other B Vitamins
The B vitamins in general are crucial for maintaining nail strength, but one standout is biotin. Although true biotin deficiency is rare due to its presence in such a wide variety of the foods you eat, it is thought that extra intake of this vitamin can help prevent and repair brittle, weak nails. It can help to make them thicker and stronger. With B vitamin deficiencies, you may see nail ends that are curved or spoon-like or even darker in appearance. Taking folic acid along with vitamin B12 and vitamin C will help the body in protein synthesis. In addition, folic acid is important for red blood cells, which transport oxygen. Folic acid deficiency may also be a precursor to hangnails.
Member Comments