Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Ceramides are lipid molecules naturally found in the stratum corneum of the skin, where they play a crucial role in maintaining the skin barrier and retaining moisture. More recently, oral ceramides (often derived from plants such as wheat) have been marketed for skin and, occasionally, nail health. The rationale for their use in supporting nails is based on the understanding that healthy nails, like skin, require adequate hydration and lipid content to prevent brittleness and splitting.

Scientific evidence specifically investigating the effects of ceramides on nail health is limited. Most published research focuses on ceramides' role in improving skin barrier function and hydration. Some small studies and anecdotal reports suggest that supplements containing ceramides may improve nail moisture and reduce brittleness, but these are often secondary findings in broader skin health studies. For example, a few clinical trials on oral phytoceramides have reported improved skin hydration and, anecdotally, stronger nails, but these observations lack rigorous, nail-specific outcome measures.

In summary, while there is a plausible biological mechanism and some tangential evidence supporting the use of ceramides for nail health, direct, high-quality scientific evidence is sparse. Thus, the scientific validation for ceramides supporting the nail body system is limited and rated low on the evidence scale.

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