Noah Sinclair
Fingernail and toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a fungal infection that causes nails to become brittle, thickened, painful, and discoloured. While antifungal drugs are the main medical treatment, they may not be effective in all cases. Although there is limited evidence to support treating nail disorders with vitamins, vitamin E has been shown to improve yellow nail syndrome when combined with pulse-dose triazole antifungals. Additionally, vitamin and mineral supplements can promote nail health and strength, which may help prevent and treat nail fungus. For example, vitamin C is essential for collagen production, which provides strength and integrity to nails, and biotin can help strengthen brittle fingernails.
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What You'll Learn
- Vitamin B7, or biotin, can help strengthen brittle fingernails
- Vitamin C is essential for the production of collagen, which gives shape and strength to nails
- Vitamin B12 and folate (vitamin B9) deficiencies can cause changes in nail pigmentation and texture
- Iron deficiency can cause vertical nail ridges, concavity, or spoon nails
- Vitamin D3 analogs and retinoids are used to treat nail psoriasis
Vitamin B7, or biotin, can help strengthen brittle fingernails
Vitamin B7, also known as biotin, is a B-complex vitamin that promotes healthy cell growth and aids in the metabolism of protein-building amino acids, which are essential for nail growth. Biotin-rich foods and supplements can help strengthen brittle fingernails and improve their overall health and appearance.
Biotin is necessary for the body's production of protein-building amino acids, which are the building blocks of strong and healthy nails. A deficiency in biotin can lead to brittle and weak nails, as well as other health issues. By ensuring adequate intake of biotin, individuals can support the health of their nails and promote stronger, more resilient nail growth.
Several studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of biotin in treating brittle nails. One study found that taking 2.5 mg of biotin per day for a period of six weeks to seven months improved symptoms in 63% of participants with brittle fingernails. This suggests that consistent and prolonged use of biotin supplements may be necessary to achieve noticeable results.
In addition to supplements, biotin can be found in a variety of foods. Meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy are good sources of biotin, and including these in your diet can help increase your biotin intake. Additionally, nuts, seeds, and dark green vegetables also contain biotin, offering a plant-based option for those who do not consume animal products.
While biotin can be beneficial for nail health, it is important to note that there is limited scientific evidence supporting the use of vitamin supplements for treating nail disorders. Individuals with nail fungus should consult a dermatologist for advice and explore various treatment options, including laser therapy, which has been shown to be effective in treating toenail fungus.
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Vitamin C is essential for the production of collagen, which gives shape and strength to nails
While there are several vitamins that can help treat nail fungus, such as biotin, niacin, and folic acid, vitamin C is also an essential nutrient to consider for nail health. Vitamin C is essential for the production of collagen, which is a protein that gives shape, strength, and structure to many tissues in the body, including fingernails, hair, and teeth. As vitamin C is an essential nutrient that the body cannot produce, it must be obtained through diet or supplementation.
Citrus fruits like oranges, strawberries, and kiwis are well-known sources of vitamin C, but bell peppers, green vegetables, and tomatoes are also excellent sources. In fact, red bell peppers contain more than twice the vitamin C of an orange. Eating vitamin C-rich foods alongside plant-based iron sources can also improve iron absorption, which is necessary for providing cells with adequate oxygen, contributing to healthy nails.
Collagen supplements have become popular for improving skin, hair, and nails, and they typically use types I, II, and III collagen. While type II collagen is good for joints and cartilage, types I and III are beneficial for skin, hair, and nails. However, it's important to note that collagen is not considered a "complete protein" as it lacks some essential amino acids, so it cannot replace protein powders or other supplements in this regard.
While data on collagen supplements has improved, it is still inconclusive. Most studies have focused on skin rather than nails, and more rigorous research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of collagen supplementation for nail health. Nevertheless, collagen supplements are generally considered safe and may provide some benefits for nail strength and hydration.
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Vitamin B12 and folate (vitamin B9) deficiencies can cause changes in nail pigmentation and texture
Fingernails can be a good indicator of a person's health. A change in the appearance, texture, or shape of your nails could indicate nutrient deficiencies. Vitamin B12 and folate (vitamin B9) deficiencies can cause changes in nail pigmentation and texture.
Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient that your body cannot produce on its own. It helps keep the cells in your body healthy and plays a key role in forming red blood cells, regulating cell metabolism, and keeping the nervous system healthy. A deficiency in vitamin B12 can result in changes in nail pigmentation, such as entirely blue nails, bluish-black pigments with wavy longitudinal dark streaks, and brownish pigmentation. These nail changes are more frequent in patients with dark skin due to decreased glutathione levels, which lead to increased melanin synthesis.
Folate, or vitamin B9, is also important for nail growth and health. It contributes to red blood cell formation and the development of new cells. A deficiency in folate can cause a pigment change in your nails and make them rigid and brittle.
To prevent deficiencies, adults require 2.4 mcg of vitamin B12 and 400 mcg of folate per day. However, pregnant women have an increased need for these vitamins. Vitamin B12 is primarily found in animal foods such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy, although it can also be found in fortified foods. Folate, on the other hand, can be obtained from dark green vegetables, citrus fruits, beans, peas, lentils, nuts, seeds, and avocado.
While vitamin deficiencies can affect nail health, it is important to note that there is limited evidence to support the effectiveness of vitamin supplements in treating nail disorders. People who develop nail disorders should seek advice from a dermatologist.
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Iron deficiency can cause vertical nail ridges, concavity, or spoon nails
While nail fungus can be a concern, it is important to also consider the overall health of your nails. Changes in the appearance, texture, or shape of your nails could indicate nutrient deficiencies. One such deficiency is iron deficiency, which can lead to vertical nail ridges, concavity, or "spoon nails".
Iron deficiency, also known as anemia, can cause a variety of changes in the nails. One of the most common signs is vertical nail ridges, which are accentuated ridges in the nail surface that run from the tip of the fingernail to the cuticle. These ridges typically appear later in life and are not a cause for concern unless accompanied by other symptoms. However, if iron deficiency is left untreated, it can progress to more severe nail abnormalities.
Another sign of iron deficiency is nail concavity, also known as koilonychia. This condition causes the nail to become spoon-shaped, with transverse and longitudinal concavity. While koilonychia can be a normal variant in infants, it can also indicate iron deficiency in adults, especially when accompanied by other symptoms such as anemia.
Spoon nails, or "spoon-shaped" nails, are another indication of iron deficiency. This condition can affect both the fingernails and toenails, causing them to appear concave either horizontally or vertically. Spoon nails are typically associated with anemia, but they can also be a sign of other inflammatory skin diseases, such as psoriasis, hypo- or hyperthyroidism, or autoimmune disorders.
To address iron deficiency, it is recommended to increase the intake of iron-rich foods, such as animal products like beef, chicken, fish, and eggs. Plant-based sources of iron include dark green leafy vegetables, peanuts, seeds, and beans. Additionally, consuming vitamin C-rich foods, such as citrus fruits and bell peppers, can improve iron absorption.
While nail abnormalities can be a cause for concern, they are often treatable once the underlying cause is identified. It is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice and treatment options.
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Vitamin D3 analogs and retinoids are used to treat nail psoriasis
While vitamins are essential for maintaining healthy nails, there is little evidence that vitamin supplements can effectively treat nail disorders. However, vitamin D3 analogs and retinoids have been found to be effective in treating nail psoriasis.
Nail psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder that affects the nails, causing them to become pitted and discoloured, and may be accompanied by a psoriatic rash. It is a chronic condition that requires long-term treatment, and vitamin D3 analogs and retinoids have emerged as promising treatment options.
Vitamin D3 analogs are chemically modified forms of naturally occurring vitamin D that exhibit antiproliferative and immunomodulatory effects. They are available as creams, solutions, ointments, or foams that can be applied directly to the affected nails. Calcipotriol and calcitriol are two vitamin D3 analogs currently available for treating psoriasis in the USA.
Retinoids, on the other hand, are a class of drugs related to vitamin A. Tazarotene, a topical retinoid, has been found to be effective in treating nail psoriasis. Oral synthetic retinoids are also available for the treatment of nail psoriasis.
It is important to note that while these vitamin-based treatments have shown efficacy, they should be used under medical supervision. Individuals with nail disorders should consult a dermatologist for specialist advice and to determine the most suitable treatment option for their specific condition.
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Frequently asked questions
There is limited evidence to support treating nail disorders with vitamins. The main medical treatments for nail fungus are antifungal drugs, which can be taken orally or applied directly to the nail. However, vitamin E has been shown to be effective in treating yellow nail syndrome when combined with pulse-dose triazole antifungals.
Nail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, causes nails to become brittle, thickened, painful, and discoloured brown or yellow. If left untreated, the infection will worsen until the nail disintegrates.
Nail fungus is caused by the interaction of environmental and genetic factors. Environmental factors include humid environments and tight-fitting shoes. Genetically, certain mutations related to impaired immune function may increase the risk of developing nail fungus.
After treatment with antifungal drugs, it is important to take preventative measures to stop the nail fungus from coming back. This includes using topical antifungal treatments and removing any other sources of infection, such as footwear and socks.
Vitamins and nutrients that support nail health include vitamin C, iron, vitamin B12, folate, and biotin.
