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Put your best fingers forward by restoring nail strength. According to research or other evidence, the following self-care steps may help you break free from brittle nails: |
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| Science Ratings | Nutritional Supplements | Herbs |
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Gelatine |
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 Reliable
and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit. Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies
suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit. For a herb, supported by traditional use but minimal
or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support and/or minimal health
benefit. |
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What are the symptoms?
People with brittle nails may have frequent or easy breaking, cracking, splitting, or tearing of their nails.
Medical options
Therapy involves the intake of adequate nutrition; especially protein, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B6, niacin, calcium, and iron; the use of gloves when washing dishes, and the avoidance of drying chemicals, such as nail polish remover. Treatment of an underlying medical condition, such as thyroid deficiency or poor circulation, may be necessary.
Vitamins that may be helpful
Nutrition can affect the health of nails in a variety of ways. Iron deficiency may cause spoon-shaped nails.1 For years, some doctors have believed zinc deficiency causes white spots to appear on nails. In China, excessive selenium has been linked to nails actually falling out.2
Biotin, a B vitamin, is known to strengthen hooves in animals. As a result, Swiss researchers investigated the use of biotin in strengthening brittle fingernails in humans, despite the fact that it remains unclear exactly how biotin affects nail structure. An uncontrolled trial of 2.5 mg biotin per day found improved firmness and hardness in almost all cases after an average treatment time of 5.5 months.3 In a controlled trial using 2.5 mg of biotin per day, women with brittle nails, who had their nail thickness measured before and at six to fifteen months after, found their nail thickness increased by 25%. As a result, splitting of nails was reduced. In an uncontrolled study of people who had been taking biotin for brittle nails in America, 63% showed improvement from taking biotin.4 Although the amount of research on the subject is quite limited and positive effects do not appear in all people, those people having brittle nails may want to consider a trial period of at least several months, using 2.5 mg per day of biotin.
Gelatine has been marketed as a remedy for brittle nails since the turn of the twentieth century and has been mentioned in medical journals at least since the 1950s.5 6 7 Gelatine is a slaughterhouse by-product, made from the hooves and other inedible connective tissue of cows. While some people claim success using gelatine to strengthen brittle nails, others claim that the remedy is ineffective,8 9 and that the real cause of brittle nails is lack of moisture, not protein deficiency.
One doctor has observed that supplementation with glucosamine sulphate (amount not specified) can increase the growth rate and strength of fingernails and toenails;10 however, no controlled trials have been done.
Herbs that may be helpful
Anecdotal reports suggest that horsetail may be of some use in the treatment of brittle nails.11 This may be due to the high content of silicic acid and silicates in horsetail, which provide approximately 2 to 3% elemental silicon.
References
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1. Bates B. A guide to physical examination, 2d ed. Philadelphia: J. B. Lippincott, 1979, 51.
2. Yang G, Wang S, Zhou R, Sun S. Endemic selenium intoxication of humans in China. Am J Clin Nutr 1983;37:872–81.
3. Floersheim GL. Treatment of brittle fingernails with biotin. Z Hautkr 1989;64:41–8 [in German].
4. Hochman LG, Scher RK, Meyerson MS. Brittle nails: response to daily biotin supplementation. Cutis 1993;51:303–5.
5. Halliday C. A new treatment for brittle nails. Canad Nurse 1959;55:348.
6. Rosenberg S, Oster KA, Kallos A, Burroughs W. Further studies in the use of gelatin in the treatment of brittle nails. AMA Arch Derm 1957;76:330–5.
7. Derzavis JL, Mulinos MG. The brittle nail. Its treatment and prevention with gelatin. Med Ann DC 1961;30:133–7.
8. Mirkin G. Gelatin doesn’t cure brittle nails. Health Topics from The Dr. Gabe Mirkin Show and DrMirkin.com. http://www.drmirkin.com/nutrition/8472.html [accessed 3/20/01].
9. The Editors of Prevention Magazine Health Books, ed. The Doctor’s Book of Home Remedies for Women. New York: Bantam Books, 1998.
10. Swinburne LM. Glucosamine sulphate and osteoarthritis. Lancet 2001;357:1617 [Letter].
11. Hamon NW, Awang DVC. Horsetail. Canadian Pharm J 1992;Sep:399–401.
Copyright © 2006 Healthnotes, Inc. All rights reserved. www.healthnotes.com
Learn more about Healthnotes, the company.
Learn more about the authors of Healthnotes.
The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or chemist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires March 2007.
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