{SCA} Healthy Nails Vitamins: Healthy nails result from a combination of proper nutrition and the right combination of vitamins, minerals and other supplements. Healthy fingernails is something all women crave for. It is a common misconception that achieving healthy fingernails is difficult and tedious, and that only regular manicures can help maintain them. However, healthy fingernails can be easily achieved by caring for them appropriately and regularly. It sure requires a little time and effort, but the result would definitely be worth it. Nails are indicators of an individual’s general health and if they appear unhealthy, it could be an indication of an underlying health problem. To maintain the health of fingernails, it is essential to protect them from infections and injuries.

Vitamins for Healthy Nails

Nails are made of a protein known as keratin, which protects the fingertips and imparts strength, texture and color to the nails. Vitamins play an important role in the building of keratin, which is essential to keep nails healthy. Lack of vitamins and other nutrients can cause various nail related problems, like brittleness, formation of ridges, dryness and discoloration. Here’s a list of vitamins that are very essential for healthy fingernails.

• Vitamin A is essential for nail growth.
• Vitamin B2 promotes healthy nails.
• Vitamin C boosts overall health, and deficiency is associated with deformed nails.
• Biotin strengthens keratin, the protein from which nails are formed.

Nails, like every other part of the body, require proper nutrition to grow. When a person eats a balanced diet, the body, including the nails will be healthier. But, with so many people following diets for weight reduction, nutrition suffers.

For example, protein is very important to build calcium in the nails. Protein is found in fish, chicken, and red meat, and, in order to get the recommended daily requirement of protein, nutritionists recommend 8 ounces of one of these per day. For people following a vegetarian diet, protein and calcium supplements are a necessity.

Naturally, taking care of the nails will also help them grow strong and beautiful. It is important to protect them by wearing rubber gloves when working in water or with chemicals. Use a lotion on hands and nails as well. Try using cuticle cream on ragged cuticles every day. Some women find that moisturizing each night with lotion and then wearing light cotton gloves to bed really helps soften hands and strengthen nails.

Note: 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.