Natural Vitamins For Stronger Nails

Your nails have the important job of protecting the sensitive nerve endings and blood vessels at the tips of your fingers and toes. Nails are composed of layers of the protein keratin and are an extension of the outer layer of your skin, or epidermis. The nail bed, from which your nails grow, is located underneath the nail plate and should appear pink if you are healthy. If your nails are brittle, weak or ridged, it may indicate a vitamin deficiency. Ask your doctor or dermatologist about taking vitamins to strengthen your nails.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A can be beneficial for strengthening dry and brittle nails if they are the result of a deficiency. This vitamin is important for many functions performed by the body. It is needed for proper bone growth, vision, immune system functions and for mucous membranes and skin membranes. Vitamin A can be obtained as its active form retinol from animal products, including liver, eggs, milk and cheese. You can also get vitamin A from provitamin A carotenoid plant sources such as carrots, spinach, cantaloupe and kale.

Biotin

Biotin is part of the B vitamin group and sometimes referred to as vitamin H. Although a deficiency is rare, biotin can help strengthen thin, brittle nails. Biotin and the B vitamins are responsible for converting carbohydrates into energy that can be used by your body. Biotin is also needed for healthy hair, eyes and skin. Biotin is found in cooked egg yolks, peanuts, almonds, walnuts, pecans, sardines, brewer's yeast, soybeans, whole grains and bananas.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C can be used to overcome a deficiency, which can cause hangnails and brittle nails. This popular vitamin is another strong antioxidant that protects the cells from damaging free radicals. Vitamin C is also an integral part of collagen synthesis, which is needed for wound healing and to maintain healthy blood vessels, ligaments, tendons, skin and nails. Vitamin C is found in citrus fruits -- such as oranges and grapefruit -- as well as papaya, strawberries, mango, tomatoes, Brussels sprouts and broccoli.

Vitamin D and Calcium

Calcium is needed for proper nail growth, and vitamin D is needed for calcium to be absorbed effectively. If you don't get enough vitamin D, it can cause your nails to break and split. Vitamin D, a fat-soluble vitamin, occurs naturally in some foods, such as cod liver oil and eggs, while other foods are fortified with it, including breakfast cereals, milk and orange juice. Your skin can manufacture some vitamin D, but you need to get at least 10 minutes of direct exposure from the sun daily without sunscreen for that to happen.