You want your fingernails to look and feel healthy, but you have to ensure that your fingernails are receiving the proper amount of vitamins. Vitamins B and E and iron are all required for healthy, strong nails. They are so important that without them, your nails become weak and fragile and develop a yellow tinge to them. You may also have an underlying health condition such as a fungal infection. Ask your doctor to examine your nails to rule out other health conditions.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E contains antioxidant properties and is used to treat a condition known as yellow nail syndrome, according to New Zealand Dermatological Society's website DermNet NZ. Yellow nail syndrome is characterized by thick, yellow nails that develop ridges and can also have a hump in the middle of the nail. With yellow nail syndrome, your fingernail may stop growing altogether and you can lose your cuticles. DermNet reports that topical vitamin E effectively treats yellow nail syndrome; zinc is sometimes beneficial, although the effectiveness of zinc remains unclear.
B Vitamins
The vitamin B complex helps all bodily tissues grow and develop. One B vitamin in particular helps strengthen weak, brittle nails: Biotin, which helps fortify hair and fingernails, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Some manufacturers include biotin in fingernail polish, nail polish removers and cuticle conditioners. Biotin is also necessary for healthy skin and sometimes appears in cuticle conditioners and body lotions. Biotin can also help improve splitting nails.
Iron
Your body needs iron to form red blood cells and carry oxygen to various bodily tissues. Without oxygen, body tissues would die. Most Americans receive enough iron in their diet and do not require supplements for an iron deficiency. Certain conditions, however, can deplete iron in your body, namely cancer, peptic ulcer disease, Crohn's disease, excessive bleeding and long-term use of aspirins. When your body does not receive enough iron, you can suffer from an iron deficiency, which can cause brittle nails, fatigue, general weakness and decreased appetite. To ensure that you're receiving the necessary amount of iron, eat iron-rich foods such as red meats, poultry, fish, whole grains and raisins.
Member Comments