Hair and nails primarily are made of proteins that circulate through the body from food. Registered dietitian Joanne Larson reports at Ask the Dietitian.com that low levels of iron can cause depressions on nails, and biotin deficiency can cause redness under the nails. Other vitamin deficiencies can hamper strong hair quality and growth. While vitamins can be purchased separately, the best vitamins for hair and nails are those that are combined in a single source to balance all the best ingredients.
Iron
Iron deficiency can cause nails to develop vertical ridges and become fragile and brittle. Spoon-shaped nails are one of the most common signs of low iron levels. Many patients with low iron levels also are anemic and experience hair loss at a greater rate than average. Hair also can become dull, brittle and dry when there is a lack of sufficient iron in the system.
Doctors at the New Zealand Dermatological Society report that iron vitamins can be taken in pill or liquid form. Since iron vitamins can cause a number of side effects, ranging from nausea and constipation to black stools, a doctor should monitor the amount of iron taken for hair and nails.
B-Complex Vitamins
Nutritional Supplement Educational Centre doctors report that B-complex vitamins are called "beauty vitamins" because of their effectiveness in promoting healthy hair and nail growth. B-12 deficiency can cause nails to turn dark and excessively dry. The proper amounts of B-12 vitamins can be found in multivitamins specifically designed for healthy hair and nail growth. Inositol is part of the B-complex vitamin family that also is responsible for healthy hair and nail growth. Beta-carotene is a B vitamin that makes hair shiny. Para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) also is a member of the B-complex family that helps with folic acid synthesis and can help to strengthen hair follicles and prevent hair loss.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant that can help to maintain healthy hair and nails and keep out harmful bacteria. Doctors at the Nutritional Supplement Educational Centre report that vitamin C also can aid in maintaining healthy blood circulation to the scalp that promotes hair growth. Vitamin C also helps nails to remain strong and prevent hangnails.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Vitamins that contain omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil help to restore nails and hair to their fullest conditions. Hair texture and luster improve with the essential fatty acids found in omega-3 fish oil vitamins.
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