Children’s nails require the protein keratin and a range of vitamins and minerals to develop and stay healthy. A deficiency in any of the key vitamins responsible for nail health can result in brittle, ridged or weakened nails that split easily. A balanced diet provides all the necessary vitamins for strong nails. However, vegetarians, vegans and those following a restricted diet for medical reasons may need vitamin supplements to maintain optimal nail health.
Biotin
Biotin is one of the b-complex vitamins used by the body to metabolize proteins required for healthy nails, skin and hair. B complex vitamins are found predominantly in meat, dairy produce, wholegrain foods and green, leafy vegetables. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, biotin, also known as vitamin H, encourages the development of strong nails. Research carried out by L. G. Hochman et al. at Columbia University found that biotin supplements were of benefit to 63 percent of patients in a study of the treatment of brittle nails.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is water-soluble and is unusually the only vitamin of this type that the body is able to store for several years in the liver. Vitamin B12 is responsible for the synthesizing of protein, including keratin in the fingernails. A deficiency is rare in those following a balanced diet, however vegans may not receive sufficient quantities of vitamin B12 because sources include mainly meat, fish and dairy products.
Vitamin C
A lack of vitamin C in your child’s diet may result in dehydrated nails that are susceptible to breaking and hangnails. The body does not produce its own vitamin C and it cannot store the vitamin. Your child’s diet should include a regular selection of fruits and vegetables in order to maintain adequate levels of vitamin C. Medline Plus says that citrus fruits, tomatoes, peppers and broccoli are good dietary sources of vitamin C.
Vitamins and a Balanced Diet
Children who eat a well-balanced diet should not require additional vitamin supplementation for healthy nail growth, unless advised otherwise by a healthcare professional. A study by researchers in the Department of Dermatology at New York’s Columbia University Presbyterian Hospital found no evidence to support the efficacy of vitamin supplements in well-nourished subjects taking part in the trial.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Medical Reference; Complementary Medicine; Vitamin H (Biotin)
- Oregon State University; Linus Pauling Institute; Micronutrient Information Center; Biotin; Brilttle Fingernails; Jane Higdon, Ph.D., June 2004
- "Brittle nails: response to daily biotin supplementation"; L. G. Hochman, R. K. Scher, M. S. Meyerson; April 1993
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Medical Reference; Complementary Medicine; Vitamin B12
- Medline Plus: Vitamin C
- "Vitamins and minerals: their role in nail health and disease"; N. Scheinfeld, M. J. Dahdah, R. Scher; August 2007
