Biotin for Brittle Nails

There are few dietary supplements that have good science to support taking them. Biotin is a supplement that does and that I recommend.

Women often come to me complaining of weak, brittle fingernails: soft, thin nails that tear easily. When the end of the nail splays or splits, it is called onychoschizia.

Taking 2.5 mg of biotin a day has been shown to be helpful for this condition. Biotin is found in many foods including egg yolks, yeast, wheat bran, and is actually synthesized in your large intestine by bacteria. Interestingly, raw egg whites contain avidin, a protein that binds strongly to biotin and prevents its absorption. Yet another reason to skip the raw eggs for breakfast (unless you’re Rocky Balboa).

Deficiency of biotin is rare, but supplementing with 2.5 mg each day seems to be helpful for some people. Remember, it can take up to 6 months for your fingernails to grow, so the results of the biotin you start today won’t be apparent for another six months.

In addition:

Minimize water exposure to your nails
Use gloves when doing dishes, cleaning, and handling wet laundry (yes, I know it’s easy for me to say)
Use alcohol gel sanitizers when possible
Constant wetting and drying of your nails leads to dehydration that worsens weak, brittle nails
Apply moisturizer, such as Eucerin Hand Creme, to your nails as well as your hands
Use a moisturizer every time you wash your hands

February 14, 2008 | Filed Under Health and Beauty, Nails

Comments

2 Responses to “Biotin for Brittle Nails”

Ami on February 14th, 2008 5:26 pm

I have a question. I have this one single place on a nail that pretty consistantly splits. It bugs me since I can grow my nails out nicely except for this. Any way I can fix it?
Fred on March 1st, 2008 8:56 am

OK - I never believe this stuff, but Biotin really worked. After about 2 months I started seeing an improvement, and after 4 months I was very happy with fewer lines and cracks and thicker nails. Unfortunately, when I stop the Biotin, my nails quickly start returning to the way they were. I guess it’s Biotin for life for me. BTW - I had previously tried decolorized Iodine and Nail Strengthening Cream, and neither helped at all.

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