Evidence supporting the use of: Biotin
For the health condition: Fingernails (weak or brittle)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is commonly used to support fingernail health, particularly for individuals experiencing weak or brittle nails. The justification for its use is rooted in scientific evidence, although the strength of that evidence is moderate (rated 3 out of 5). Several small clinical studies have explored biotin supplementation for brittle nail syndrome, a condition characterized by splitting, thinning, or easy breakage of the nails. Notably, a study published in "Cutis" in 1989 found that 63% of participants who took 2.5 mg of biotin daily for several months experienced measurable improvement in nail thickness and hardness. Other small trials and case reports have similarly reported positive outcomes, with participants noting decreased nail splitting and increased nail firmness after biotin supplementation.

Despite these findings, the overall evidence base is limited by the small number of studies, small sample sizes, lack of placebo controls, and subjective outcome measures. There is no large-scale, high-quality randomized controlled trial definitively confirming biotin’s efficacy for nail health. However, biotin deficiency is rare, and most people with brittle nails do not have measurable biotin deficiency. The mechanism by which biotin might help is not well understood but is thought to relate to its role in keratin production, an essential protein in nails.

In summary, biotin is scientifically used to support brittle nails, and moderate evidence supports its efficacy, but more rigorous research is needed to establish its benefits conclusively.

More about biotin
More about Fingernails (weak or brittle)

Other ingredients used for Fingernails (weak or brittle)

Alfalfa
biotin
collagen
gelatin
iron
milk
moringa
silicon
keratin
vitamin E
zinc