What Vitamins Are Good For Fingernails?

Nails are hardened skin cells made of a protein called keratin. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, our nails help to protect and support the tissues around our fingers. Unhealthy nails can warn doctors of an underlying medical condition, like diabetes or heart disease.

Vitamin H

Vitamin H, also called biotin, is part of the B group of vitamins and helps to keep your fingernails strong. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), preliminary evidence suggests that biotin supplements may be able to help improve fingernails that are thin, dry, splitting or brittle.

Zinc

UMMC says that zinc is an essential trace mineral important for healthy fingernails. Zinc contains antioxidant properties that help to protect your fingernails from free radicals, substances that can make your nails brittle. Low amounts of zinc in your body can also lead to white spots on your fingernails.

Vitamin C

According to "Natural Health" magazine, vitamin C is important for nail health because it helps to prevent hangnails, which may become painfully infected. Also, a lack of vitamin C in your daily diet can make fingernails dry or discolored.