The American Academy of Dermatology states that your nails help to support the tissues around your fingers and toes. A health care professional can look at your nails if they are unhealthy, which may indicate an underlying medical condition such as diabetes or heart disease. Brittle fingernails are prone to infections. There is a selection of vitamins you can take every day that will help to treat and prevent brittle fingernails.
B Vitamins
B Vitamins are important for healthy nails. Vitamin H -- which is the B vitamin biotin -- can help to improve nails that may be brittle, thin or splitting, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. You should take vitamin H if you experience weak nails, as it can help to keep them strong. ChetDay.com says that a deficiency in vitamin B12 may lead to brittle fingernails that break easily. In addition, low levels of vitamin B12 in your body are also related to dry fingernails, and fingernails becoming discolored.
Zinc
Zinc contains antioxidant properties, making it an essential mineral to consume as it helps to protect your nails from free radicals. These substances may contribute to dry nails. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, antioxidants like zinc neutralize free radicals and reduce or prevent the damage they can potentially cause. ChetDay.com says that a low zinc intake can lead to white spots on your fingernails. This statement is also supported by the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is water-soluble, and as a result, is not stored in your body, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Vitamin C assists in the creation of collagen, a protein that is used to produce skin, ligaments, blood vessels and scar tissue. Vitamin C helps to keep your fingernails hydrated. ChetDay.com states that a vitamin C deficiency may result in dry and brittle fingernails, along with the development of hangnails. In addition, like zinc, vitamin C is an antioxidant, which means it can help protect your nails from free radicals.
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