Nails are often considered as a sign of beauty but have a specific purpose as to protect both the fingertips and toes.  Nails can provide clues about our overall health and any underlying diseases.  Good nutrition plays a vital role in nail growth and appearance.

Composed mainly of a fibrous protein called keratin, nails are one of the body’s strongest tissues.  The nail plate grows continuously, although the rate varies with age, slowing with advancing years, and with some diseases.  Growth of fingernails is normally at a rate of about 1 cm every 3 months so that renewal of a fingernail may take 6 months.  Toenails, which grow more slowly, may take from 18 months to 2 years.

One of the most common problems with nails is fungal infections.  Tea tree oil can be used to treat this, but a prescription antifungal agent might be necessary to treat this condition.

An insufficient intake of the B vitamins can produce ridges in the nail.  A lack of calcium can cause dry and brittle nails.  Spoon shaped nails (koilonychia) is seen in association with iron deficiency anaemia.  White spots on nails might be a sign of a zinc deficiency.  Distal white bands that are parallel to the lunula (white half-moon shape) is seen when the level of protein intake is low.

Supplements can be used as general nail strengtheners but at least eight to ten weeks is required to notice results.

Gelatin is commonly accepted as a cure for weak nails, but this is a misconception.  The nails need protein but gelatin is a poor supplier.  Not only are two essential amino acids missing, but another amino acid, glycine, is supplied in amounts your body does not need.

For healthy nails foods rich in sulphur, such as egg yolks, lean beef, dried beans, fish and cabbage should be part of your diet.  Foods rich in zinc, such as wheat germ, brewer’s yeast and pumpkin seeds can also be added to your daily intake. Desiccated liver in powder form or tablets can be taken to supplement iron levels.  The herbs oat straw, horsetail and nettle are rich in silica and may aid in nail growth.