Vitamins for the nails are substances “responsible” for the strength, color and integrity of the keratinized layers of the dermis. In addition, they activate lipid metabolism in the skin, stimulate the synthesis of collagen and elastin fibers, protect the epithelium from environmental aggression, improve the condition of mucous membranes, stabilize cell membranes, participate in the differentiation of body tissues, support the functioning of endocrine glands.
If the body contains enough vitamins, the nails have an even, smooth structure of pale pink color, without burrs and cracks. In the case of a lack of “building materials” horny cover splits, crumbles, deforms, changes color.
Let’s consider what nutrients are needed to build beautiful nail plates and the most effective vitamin complexes.
Why do we need vitamins?
The main building component of the nails is keratin (the protein that gives them hardness and strength). However, the formation of complete protein is impossible without vitamins, amino acids, micro and macro elements. Therefore, the deficiency of essential substances in the body – a frequent cause of disturbances in the structure of the horny coat: flaking, thinning, deformation, discoloration.
Why do we need vitaminsThe most important nutrients:
Vitamin A (retinol, beta-carotene). It participates in the processes of growth and differentiation of epithelial tissue. If the body is deficient in vitamin A during nail growth the horny plates become thin and deformed. The physiological requirement for adults is 5 milligrams per day.
Vitamin B1 (thiamine). Stimulates the production of the main “building material” of the nail – keratin. The daily rate is 1.5 milligrams.
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin). Increases the delivery of nutrients to the nail matrix and hair follicles. In addition, riboflavin is involved in the construction of thyroid hormones, which depends on the health of the skin. The daily dose is 1.8 milligrams.
Vitamin B3 (PP, nicotinamide, niacin). Improves blood flow in the capillaries of the microcirculatory bed, expands the peripheral vessels, accelerates the regeneration of the nail plate. Niacin requirements range from 18 to 20 milligrams.
Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid). Improves protein and carbohydrate metabolism in the dermis, normalizes the lipid balance in the root layer. The daily norm is 5 milligrams.
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine). Participates in the metabolism of lipids and nucleic acids, maintains the natural level of hydration of the skin. Daily requirement is 2 milligrams.
Vitamin B7 (H, biotin). Responsible for the shine and strength of the nails, is involved in the synthesis of collagen and elastin. To strengthen the plates consume 0.05 milligrams of biotin per day.
Vitamin B9 (folic acid). Accelerates the regeneration of the stratum corneum, improves the structure of hair and nails, and prevents thinning of the plate. The daily requirement for folic acid is 0.4 milligrams.
Vitamin B12 (cobalamin, cyanocobalamin). Stimulates cell division of the epithelium, “responsible” for the healthy color of the nails. The optimal daily dose is 0.003 milligrams.
Vitamin E (tocotrienol, tocopherol). It protects nails from the harmful effects of the environment (high temperatures, light, dust) and keeps moisture in the cuticle. To prevent changes in the skin take 25 milligrams of tocopherol daily.
Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid, calcium ascorbate). Accelerates the “leveling” of the plate, restores the natural color, increases the strength of the nails, improves microcirculation in the skin, increases the bioavailability of essential substances. The daily rate is 1000 – 1500 milligrams.
Signs of vitamin deficiency
Given that avitaminosis, first of all, affects the condition of the nails, it is important to know what nutrient deficiency has led to changes in the structure of the plates.
Signs of vitamin deficiencySee the most common problems:
Dry plate, brittle nails, hangnails. These disorders indicate a deficiency of the following nutrients: vitamins A, E, B12, calcium, magnesium, iodine.
Thinning of the nail. The cause of the small horny layer is a lack of B vitamins, iron, copper, zinc, iodine and selenium.
Horizontal or vertical grooves, lack of a well on the plate. A clear sign of iron and vitamin C deficiency.
Splitting nails, whitish flecks on the plate. Such problems “tell” about an acute shortage of zinc, magnesium and vitamin C.
Relief nails. Waves, embossing and grooves on the nails occur due to a deficiency of B vitamins.
The grayish-yellow color of the plate combined with transverse or longitudinal stripes. This “symptom” signals a lack of vitamin B3 and selenium in the body.
Slow growth. Indicator of vitamin A, manganese or zinc deficiency.
Frequent fungal infestation. This symptom indicates the predominance of pathogenic flora in the digestive tract.
Vitamins for strengthening the nails
The main “builders” of the nails – vitamins B, A, C, E, as well as calcium, zinc, copper, iron, selenium, iodine, magnesium. Read the contents of the preparations! These substances must always be present among the active ingredients of medicines.
Vitaminized nail polishes
To improve the structure of the nails, along with oral vitamins, therapeutic varnishes are used.
Vitaminized nail polishesSee the best products to strengthen the plates:
“Lacquer for flaky nails with vitamin C” (Belweder Nord, Latvia). A new generation product without formaldehyde, toluene, dibutyl phthalate and camphor. The composition is enriched with argon oil, panthenol, vitamins A, C, B5 and E. Regular use stops nail breakage, improves nail structure and has a natural shine.
Nail growth activator Opti Grow (Limoni, France). It accelerates growth of the stratum corneum, thickens thinning plates, restores natural shine. It contains vitamins E, C, K, extracts of vegetables and algae, amino acids. Activator is used as a base for color nail polish.
Preparation for nail regeneration 8 in 1 (Eveline, Poland). Therapeutic agent based on the innovative Strong Nail complex, diamond powder and plasticizer. Thanks to carefully selected composition, varnish thickens nails in 2 weeks, gives them a matte and hardness, aligns the structure, gets rid of the “waviness.
Means for nails with calcium Calcium Shield (Orly, USA). Therapeutic preparation to strengthen thin plates, stimulate growth, prevent splitting. Calcium base is suitable as a base coating (to protect the plates from “overprinting” lacquers), and as a finishing product (to fix the color).
Smart Enamel. Corrector of heterogeneous nails (Frenchi, USA). The active components of the composition – wheat proteins, aloe vera, calcium. The remedy is designed to revitalize brittle, thinning and ribbed nails. Enamel gently fills the recesses of the heterogeneous plate, preparing it for nail polish application.
Nails, like any external body organ, need systematic care and protection. Essential substances (vitamins B, A, C, E, zinc, iron, calcium, silicon, selenium, iodine, copper) are needed to keep them strong, smooth and shiny. Taking into consideration that the nails are fed “from inside” (through blood vessels), the lack of nutrients in the body is fraught with disturbances of the stratum corneum (deformations, discoloration, splitting and brittleness). To eliminate such problems, the daily menu is enriched with “vitamin” products (seeds, nuts, cottage cheese, berries, fruits, greens, vegetables, kefir, cereals and fish). In addition, during the winter and spring seasons, it is advisable to use nutritional supplements and medicinal varnishes (courses).