Top 5 Vitamins That Support Nail Growth

Did you know that your nails are actually a good indicator of your health and help you realize what nutrients you may be lacking in your diet? Like the rest of your body, your nails need certain nutrients to thrive and stay strong and healthy. Today, we’re going to look at the top five vitamins that support nail growth.

1. Biotin (B7)

Biotin has taken the supplement aisle and social media by storm with celebrities promoting various brands, claiming that their nails and hair have never looked better thanks to biotin supplements. Biotin is part of the B Vitamin group, known short-handedly as B7 and sometimes vitamin H and helps to promote healthy cell growth as well as the metabolism of amino acids. While it is extremely unlikely that you should be suffering from a biotin deficiency, there are supported studies that show that an extra supplement can aid those with brittle nails.

If you’re looking for a natural way to consume the vitamin, rather than through a pill or gummy, try these foods which are rich with the vitamin: liver, egg yolk, dairy products, yeast, salmon, avocado, sweet potato, seeds, and cauliflower.

2. Folate (B9)

Folate works similarly like Biotin in the fact that it aids in the development of new cells and red blood cell formation and production. Folate also plays a role in carrying oxygen to the nail cells. Again, while a deficiency in this vitamin is not common, your nails can be an indicator on whether or not you need more folate in your diet. A deficiency in folate causes a pigment change in your nails, making them appear darker, as well as causing them to become for fragile and brittle.

Folate supplements can be found in any grocery store, but are also commonly found in plant-based foods such as dark green vegetables, citrus fruits, beans, peas, lentils, nuts, seeds and avocado. Folate can also be found in poultry, fish, eggs and dairy.

3. Magnesium

Magnesium is important for most of our body’s functions, not just our nails, as it is involved in the process of nail growth by performing protein synthesis. A deficiency in magnesium will cause vertical ridges on the tops of your nails and slower nail growth. If a nail has fallen off or been broken, an increase in magnesium will help speed up the growth as it aids in the formation of new nails.

Magnesium is relatively easy to come by and even easier to add to your diet. Magnesium can be found in whole grains, especially whole wheat products, dark green leafy vegetables, as well as quinoa, almonds, cashews, peanuts, edamame and black beans.

4. Protein

If you’re a biology or a nail guru, you probably know that your nails are made of a substance named keratin, but what you may not know is that the keratin that makes up your nails is actually dead and constantly sheds as new nail growth happens. In order for keratin production to continue creating strong nails, you need an adequate amount of protein in your diet. Low amounts can cause weaker nails.

Protein is one of the more common nutrients to come by and easily added to your diet, no matter if you’re vegan or an omnivore. The nutrient can be found in animal foods like meat, poultry, fish, eggs and dairy, as well as plant foods, such as soy, legumes, beans, lentils, nuts, seeds and whole grains.

5. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Ever wonder how your nails can have a natural glow or shine to them. Omega-3 Fatty Acids are the key as they’re responsible for lubricating and moisturizing your nails to give them a healthy glow. Omege-3 fatty acids also help nourish the nail bed which in turn promotes the health of the cells underneath the nail itself. A deficiency in this nutrient causes dry and even brittle nails.

Omega-3 fatty acids can be comsumed as a supplement, but most of them have a fishy aftertaste, so most people prefer to get them from their food. Omega-3 fatty acids are commonly found in products such as: salmon, trout, mackerel, tuna and sardines, but for those who prefer to have a fish-less diet, they can also be found in walnuts, soy, eggs, chia seeds, and flaxseeds.

Talk with your doctor if you suspect that you have a deficiency in any nutrients. As mentioned above, your nails can be an excellent indicator of your health and can help point you in the right direction.

For aid in your brittle nails, use Plei Nail Strengthener as part of your daily routine to nourish your nails and promote healthy nail growth and strength.