The beauty-from-within and nail care market
Did you know that your nails are stressed daily? External environment, poor nutrition, bad daily habits, and chronic stress can cause weak nails and impair keratin production. Several other factors can impact overall nail health and appearance, so proper care nutrition may create resilient nails and improve nail strength. Supplements are solutions to maintain healthy nails.
In the beauty-from-within market, after hair and skin, the last important topic is about having beautiful nails. It is estimated that 20% of the global population has weak nails, especially women over 50.
Nail fragility can be characterized by:
- Splitting
- Brittleness
- Crumbling
- Softness
- Elasticity loss
- Peeling
- Infection
There are many causes for brittle, dull nails. Too much moisture is a major factor impacting nail health, and bad habits can also affect nail growth and nail strength. Indeed, when nails get wet, they swell. When they dry, they shrink. Most of the time people working in a moist environment are using harsh chemicals such as soaps and detergent. This can do more harm to the natural nail, making nails soft and easy to peel. To limit the effect of moisture on nails, it is recommended to wear gloves to protect them during washing dishes and using harsh chemicals.
Another factor impacting nails is the aging process. Age makes nails dry out and grow more slowly, which can affect healthy growth. Fingernails get thinner while toenails most of the time get harder and thicker.
Long-term use of medications can also impact nails, making them thin, brittle, and slower to grow. An unhealthy diet, nutritional deficiencies, overall health, certain health conditions, or underlying health issues can also contribute to persistent nail problems.
Dietary supplements are the solution for beautiful, healthy nails
Some nutrients are essential for nail health and nail strength, especially B vitamins involved in growth and maintenance. Biotin, also vitamin B7 or B8, is involve in the cell growth. Biotin is a cofactor in the metabolism of amino acids, which build proteins. This is key because nails are made from a protein called keratin.
Biotin is most concentrated in organ meats such as liver, but can also be found in egg yolk, dairy products, yeast, salmon, avocado, sweet potato, nuts, seeds, cauliflower, green vegetables, leafy greens, and red meat for iron. Therefore, diet plays a key role in nail health and appearance, and a balanced diet helps support strong nails. Biotin may also help strengthen your brittle fingernails.
Some other B vitamins are important for nails. Among them, vitamin B12 is key for the development of red blood cells, important to maintain the normal pigmentation of nails. Vitamin B9, especially folate, are important for nail health. Indeed, a folate deficiency can induce a pigment change and make nails brittle and rigid.
Proteins are important for resilient nails, as they are made from keratin, a fibrous structural protein. Protein supports keratin production to strengthen weak nails. Not consuming enough protein affects keratin production, and may cause weaker nails, so a balanced diet is key for strong nails.
Zinc is a trace mineral, important for nails. Zinc is important to avoid brittleness of nails. Zinc deficiency may make nails brittle, thin, easily breakable, may split, and forming layers. Fatty acids are also important for overall nail health.
Maintaining healthy nails is important, and a healthy diet and lifestyle is essential for avoiding nail disorders. A simple daily routine with proper care, hydration, and gentle filing can support overall nail health. Dietary supplements are preferred solutions to protect and support beautiful, healthy nails, and a nail strengthener or nail hardener may enhance supplement use.
If nail problems persist, speak with a healthcare professional.
Explore our nutritional yeast range
For use in dietary supplements, seasonings, and functional foods, nutritional yeasts are nutrient-dense strains of deactivated yeast that offer nutrition and specific health benefits. They offer consumers a natural source of key nutrients, including fiber, vitamins, proteins, and minerals. To strengthen nails and for healthy growth, these nutritional yeasts may be essential as part of a supplement routine to assure overall nail health.
