Thursday, March 26, 2009

Vitamins For Healthy Nails

A balanced diet and regular grooming can give provide healthy nails. Sometimes a little more is needed. Whether the diet isn't full of adequate nutrition or the nails just need a bit more help to grow, adding additional vitamins can help achieve healthy nails. This can be done by adjusting the daily diet or with supplements.


Vitamin A


Vitamin A has been shown to help grow healthy nails. Alcohol and caffeine can diminish the amount of vitamin A in the body, so take that into consideration and avoid those substances.


Vitamin B


A vitamin B deficiency can cause nails to become fragile. Lack of folic acid, which is a B vitamin, can also cause unhealthy nails.


Vitamin C








Lack of vitamin C has been linked to hang nail, a condition that can cause the nail to "hang" off the skin. A diet low in citrus fruits should be supplemented with this vitamin.


Zinc


A lack of zinc can cause a change in nail shape and/or white spots on nails.


Other Nutrients


Calcium is also very helpful in maintaining healthy nails and is available in dairy products. Adding calcium through your diet or with supplements, and assuring that you eat enough protein (lean meat, poultry, fish or legumes) and iron (green, leafy vegetables like spinach) can help nails grow beautifully.


Considerations


Dosage of vitamins should be considered carefully, especially for pregnant and nursing women. It is best to consult a physician on proper dosage and interaction of all supplements.

Tags: healthy nails, diet with, diet with supplements, help grow, with supplements