Bovine-derived ingredients, particularly hydrolyzed bovine collagen, are commonly included in dietary supplements marketed for nail health. The scientific rationale is that collagen peptides provide amino acids necessary for the synthesis of keratin, the main structural protein of nails. A limited number of small clinical studies suggest that oral collagen supplementation may improve nail growth and reduce brittleness. For example, a 2017 open-label study (Hexsel et al., J Cosmet Dermatol) found that daily intake of bioactive collagen peptides for 24 weeks increased nail growth rate and decreased the frequency of broken nails compared to baseline. However, these studies often lack placebo controls and have small sample sizes, limiting the strength of their conclusions.

Historically, bovine products have been used in traditional medicine for general strength and vitality, but the specific use of bovine collagen or other bovine-derived substances for supporting nail health is a more recent, science-driven practice. While the mechanism—providing building blocks for nail proteins—is plausible, direct high-quality evidence remains limited. Therefore, the use of bovine collagen for nail support can be considered to have some scientific basis, though the overall quality and quantity of evidence is modest at this time.