According to the American Academy of Dermatology, our nails are hardened skin cells and are made up of a protein called keratin. Your nails protect and support the tissues on your fingers and toenails, along with allowing you to scratch. There plenty of vitamins and food available to help to keep your nails healthy.
Vitamin H
Vitamin H, also called biotin, is part of the B vitamin group of vitamins. If you suffer from weak or poor nails, vitamin H can help to keep your nails strong, which can assist in improving dry, thin and brittle nails, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. According to the MayoClinic.com, 2.5 milligrams of biotin daily may help to increase the thickness of your nails. Also, biotin is effective in treating brittle nail syndrome, a nail disease which involves weak and easily breakable nails.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an antioxidant vitamin and can help protect your nails and surrounding tissues from damage that may occur from free radicals. Natural Health magazine reports that vitamin E assists in the growth of nails, as it encourages proper blood circulation in the nails, promoting healthy nail growth.
Vitamin A
Retinoids are a form of vitamin A that are used topically and orally. According to the CBS Business Network, this form of vitamin A can help to improve nails that are thinning. It also helps to enhance the strength of nails that are weak and soft. Also, retinoids have been successful in treating nail psoriasis, a condition that changes the color and thickness of your nails.
References
- "Natural Health"; Nail Health, What Works; Sylvia Varty; March 2005
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Vitamin H
- Unviersity of Maryland Medical Center: Nail Disorders
- American Academy of Dermatology: Nail Health
- CBS Business Network: Vitamins and Minerals: Their Role in Nail Health and Disease
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