From the Research
Supplements for Treating Brittle Nails
The following supplements are recommended for treating brittle nails (onychoschizia):
- Biotin: Studies have shown that biotin supplementation can improve nail strength and reduce brittleness 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
- Trace elements: Oral supplementation of trace elements, such as silicon, may also be useful in improving nail health 1, 4
- Amino acids: Amino acids, such as cysteine, may also be beneficial in treating brittle nails 1
Key Findings
- A study published in 2020 found that oral supplementation with biotin, trace elements, and amino acids can be useful in treating idiopathic brittle nail syndrome 1
- A 1993 study found that 63% of patients with brittle nails showed clinical improvement after taking daily biotin supplementation 2
- A 2004 study suggested that preventative measures, together with oral supplementation of vitamins and amino acids, can be useful in improving nail strength 3
- A 2007 study found that biotin supplementation can help improve nail health, particularly in cases of brittle nail syndrome 4
- A 1989 study found that 91% of patients with brittle nails showed definite improvement after taking a daily oral dose of biotin 5