Unhealthy nails that are not properly cared for may be prone to infections or conditions that harm them. Nails may become weak and brittle. To help promote healthy, strong growing nails, you may consider adding specific vitamins into your diet. These vitamins are found in a variety of nutritious foods.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a water-soluble substance, which means you need to have a supply of it in your daily diet. Chet Day says that insufficient levels of vitamin C in your diet can contribute to dry fingernails and nail conditions such as hangnails. Medline Plus says that foods that contain high amounts of vitamin C include Brussels sprouts, oranges, turnip greens, sweet potatoes, watermelon, pineapples and red peppers.
Zinc
Zinc is an important nutrient because it has antioxidant properties, acting as a defense against free radicals. The University of Maryland Medical Center says that white spots may appear on your fingernails if you lack zinc in your diet. Sources of zinc include oysters, pinto beans, sunflower seeds, peanuts, red meats, shellfish and brewer's yeast.
Vitamin B-12
Vitamin B-12, or cobalamin, can help promote healthy nails by keeping them strong. According to Chet Day, a vitamin B-12 deficiency may cause your fingernails to turn dry, curve too much and become discolored. The University of Maryland Medical Center says that vitamin B-12 can only be found in animal products, such as fish, kidney, pork, eggs and organ meats.
Vitamin H
Vitamin H, or biotin, is necessary for healthy nails, because it keeps your nails hydrated. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, vitamin H may aid in the treatment of nails that have become thin or split. Sources of vitamin H include foods such as nut butters, whole grains, egg yolks, beans, mushrooms and cauliflower.
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