Marine protein, particularly in the form of hydrolyzed fish collagen, has been studied for its potential benefits in supporting nail health. Scientific evidence suggests that marine-derived collagen peptides may improve nail growth and reduce brittleness. Collagen is a major structural protein in the human body, and the amino acids present in marine protein (such as glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline) are important for the synthesis of keratin, the primary protein in nails.

Several small clinical studies have indicated that supplementation with marine collagen can lead to measurable improvements in nail growth rate and a decrease in the frequency of broken or chipped nails. For example, a 2017 open-label study published in Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology found that daily ingestion of bioactive collagen peptides derived from fish led to a significant increase in nail growth and a reduction in nail brittleness after 24 weeks of supplementation.

However, the overall quality and size of studies are limited, and more robust, large-scale placebo-controlled trials are needed to confirm the efficacy and mechanisms. While marine protein is traditionally associated with general health and beauty, its use for nail health is mostly supported by emerging scientific evidence rather than longstanding traditional use.