Healthy, strong, and beautiful nails are highly coveted for their aesthetic appeal and role in protecting our fingertips. Problems such as nail fragility, slow growth, and breakage can impede our efforts to attain the ideal nails. Thankfully, nail growth serums can effectively promote the growth of stronger and longer nails by tackling both internal and external factors that impact nail health. In this article, we'll delve into the world of nail growth serums, including their functions, advantages, and key ingredients. Additionally, we'll emphasize the importance of nutrition in supporting nail health and offer lifestyle tips to help you achieve stunning nails.
Understanding Nail Growth Serums
Nail growth serums are topical products designed to nourish and fortify the nails with a combination of vitamins, minerals, and other active ingredients that penetrate the nail bed to support healthy nail growth [2]. The ingredients in nail growth serums work to strengthen the structure of the nails, reducing brittleness and preventing breakage [4]. By providing essential nutrients directly to the nail matrix, where nail cells are produced, nail serums stimulate faster growth, leading to longer nails [3]. Nail growth serums can help reinforce the nail plate, minimizing the occurrence of breakage and splitting [5]. And, regular application of nail growth serums can improve the texture and appearance of the nails, leaving them looking smooth and glossy [6].
Key ingredients to seek in nail growth serums include[6][7][8]:
- Biotin (Vitamin B7): Promotes nail strength and growth.
- Vitamin C: Enhances collagen production for nail structure.
- Vitamin E: Provides antioxidant protection for nail health.
- Iron: Helps prevent nail brittleness.
- Zinc: Contributes to healthy nail growth.
Serums
If you're looking to enhance the growth and strength of your nails, there are a variety of nail growth serums on the market that can assist you in achieving your goals. These include:
- Strengthening serums: These serums focus on fortifying the nails, reducing brittleness, and preventing breakage.
- Growth-promoting serums: These serums aim to stimulate faster nail growth, leading to longer nails.
- Repairing serums: These serums target damaged nails, improving their texture, and overall appearance.
- Hydrating serums: These serums provide moisture to dry and dehydrated nails, preventing them from becoming brittle.
- Protective serums: These serums create a protective barrier on the nails, safeguarding them from external damage.
The Power of Nutrition for Strong Nails
Proper nutrition is crucial in maintaining our nails' strength, growth, and overall appearance. Nails are composed of a tough protein called keratin, and they require various essential nutrients to grow and remain healthy.
Biotin is one of the most well-known nutrients for nail health. It is involved in the synthesis of keratin, which is a major component of nails. Biotin promotes nail strength and may help prevent nail brittleness and breakage. Foods high in Biotin include eggs, almonds, sweet potatoes, avocados, and salmon [9].
Vitamin C is essential for collagen production, a protein that provides structure to nails. Adequate collagen is crucial for nail strength and prevents them from becoming weak or brittle. Foods high in vitamin C include oranges, strawberries, kiwi, bell pepper, and broccoli [10].
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps protect nails from damage caused by free radicals. It also promotes blood circulation, essential for delivering nutrients to the nail bed. Foods high in vitamin E include sunflower seeds, spinach, nuts, avocado, and olive oil [11].
Iron deficiency can lead to brittle nails and even cause spoon-shaped nails in severe cases. Iron is essential for delivering oxygen to nail cells; its deficiency can hinder nail growth. Iron-rich foods include red meat, beans, lentils, tofu, and fortified cereals [12].
Zinc plays a role in cell division, including the cells responsible for nail growth. Adequate zinc intake contributes to healthy nail growth and appearance. Zinc-rich foods include pumpkin seeds, oysters, beef, yogurt, and cashews [13].
Alongside a balanced diet of whole grains, lean proteins, colorful fruits and vegetables, and healthy fats, ensure to include the nail-friendly foods mentioned above. This ensures that your nails receive nourishment from the inside out, promoting optimal nail growth and resilience.
Supplementing with the Right Vitamins for Nail Growth
While maintaining a balanced diet is fundamental for nail health, supplements can be a valuable addition to target specific deficiencies and promote optimal nail growth. Packed with concentrated doses of essential vitamins and minerals, these supplements ensure your body receives the necessary nutrients for strong and healthy nails. They also offer a convenient solution for overcoming dietary limitations or absorption challenges that could impact nutrient intake from food alone.
Recommended Doses and Precautions for Nail-Strengthening Nutrients:
Biotin (Vitamin B7)
Recommended Dose: The recommended daily intake of biotin for adults is typically around 30 micrograms (mcg) per day [9].
Precautions: Biotin is generally safe when taken within the recommended doses. However, individuals with certain medical conditions or those taking medications should consult a healthcare professional before starting biotin supplements.
Vitamin C
Recommended Dose: The recommended daily intake of Vitamin C for adults varies from 65 to 90 milligrams (mg) per day [10].
Precautions: Vitamin C is generally safe and well-tolerated. However, excessive Vitamin C intake may cause gastrointestinal discomfort or diarrhea in some individuals. Avoid exceeding the upper limit of 2000 mg per day for adults.
Vitamin E
Recommended Dose: The recommended daily Vitamin E intake for adults is around 15 mg of alpha-tocopherol equivalents (ATE) [11].
Precautions: Vitamin E is generally safe when taken within the recommended doses. High doses of Vitamin E may interact with certain medications, such as blood-thinning drugs, so consult a healthcare professional if you are taking medications.
Iron
Recommended Dose: The recommended daily iron intake varies based on age and gender. For adult men, the recommended dose is around 8 mg per day, and for adult women, it's 18 mg per day [12].
Precautions: Taking excessive iron supplements can be harmful, especially for children, leading to iron toxicity.
Zinc
Recommended Dose: The recommended daily intake of zinc for adults is around 8-11 mg for women and 11 mg for men [13].
Precautions: Zinc supplements are generally safe when taken within the recommended doses. Excessive zinc intake may interfere with copper absorption, so avoid taking high doses of zinc for extended periods.
Healthycell's Bioactive Multi is an ultra-absorbable gel multivitamin carefully crafted to promote overall health and well-being, including the strength and vitality of your nails. With its specially formulated nutrients, all within recommended dose ranges, this unique multivitamin is your go-to solution for achieving healthier nails and a healthier you.
Lifestyle Tips for Stronger Nails
To keep your nails in tip-top shape, adopt essential lifestyle habits. Show your nails some love by keeping them clean, trimmed, and moisturized to nurture their strength [1]. Shield them from external damage with protective nail treatments and be cautious with harsh chemicals in nail products and cleaning agents [2]. Avoid prolonged water exposure, as it can weaken the nails, and don't forget to don gloves when tackling household chores or activities that may stress your nails [4]. Your nails will thank you for these simple yet effective practices!
Other Factors Affecting Nail Health
As we explore the world of nail health, it's essential to understand the factors that can impact the well-being of our nails. One of these factors is the natural process of aging, which can slow down nail growth due to changes in hormone levels and reduced circulation [1]. Medical conditions and medications can also influence the well-being of our nails. Conditions like psoriasis, thyroid disorders, anemia, Raynaud's disease, and peripheral arterial disease may affect nail appearance and strength. Certain medications, such as chemotherapy drugs and retinoids, can cause changes in nail texture and brittleness. (See below for a more comprehensive explanation.) However, with our knowledge about nail growth serums and nail-friendly nutrients, we can take proactive steps to maintain healthier and stronger nails.
Medical Conditions
Psoriasis is a skin condition that can affect the nails, leading to pitting, discoloration, and separation of the nail from the nail bed[1]. Conditions like hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can impact nail health, causing changes in thickness and texture [2]. Anemia, especially iron deficiency anemia, can result in brittle and spoon-shaped nails [6]. Raynaud's disease, a condition that causes poor blood circulation in the fingers and toes, can cause changes in nail color and shape [14]. Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) affects blood flow to the extremities, which can result in weakened and brittle nails [8]. Certain connective tissue disorders like lupus and scleroderma can also affect nail health [4].
Medications
Some chemotherapy medications used to treat cancer can cause nail changes, such as brittleness, discoloration, or separation from the nail bed [5]. Retinoid medications, commonly used for skin conditions like acne and psoriasis, can cause dryness and brittleness in the nails[5]. Long-term use of antifungal medications can sometimes lead to nail discoloration and changes in nail texture [12]. Certain beta-blocker medications that treat conditions like high blood pressure can cause nail brittleness [10].
If you experience persistent nail problems or sudden changes in nail health, seeking professional advice from a healthcare provider or dermatologist is essential to identify underlying issues and develop appropriate solutions. Proper diagnosis and management of these medical conditions can significantly improve overall nail health and appearance.
Conclusion
We've delved into the wonders of nail growth serums and the magic of nail-friendly nutrients, revealing their power to nurture your nails from within. Nail growth serums are the key to unlocking faster growth, reducing brittleness, and reinforcing nail structure, while essential nutrients like Biotin, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Iron, and Zinc work their magic to promote nail strength and overall health.
You can achieve the nails of your dreams through a comprehensive approach. The journey to fabulous nails begins here with Healthycell!
About the Author:
Amanda Herlocker is a Registered Dietitian with a Master’s in Nutrition Science. As the founder of The Queen City Dietitian, LLC in Charlotte, NC, she brings a depth of knowledge to her writings. Amanda’s expertise spans clinical nutrition, innovative recipe development, and evidence-based content creation for various platforms.
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- Institute of Medicine (US) Standing Committee on the Scientific Evaluation of Dietary Reference Intakes. "Dietary Reference Intakes for Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Vitamin B12, Pantothenic Acid, Biotin, and Choline." Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 1998.
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- Institute of Medicine (US) Panel on Micronutrients. "Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Arsenic, Boron, Chromium, Copper, Iodine, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, Silicon, Vanadium, and Zinc." Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2001.
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