Evidence supporting the use of: Kale
For the body system: Nails

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

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

Kale is often promoted for nail health due to its high content of nutrients, particularly biotin, vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and other minerals involved in keratin production and tissue repair. Scientifically, while there is some evidence that deficiency in certain nutrients like biotin, iron, and vitamins A and C can contribute to brittle or unhealthy nails, there is limited direct research showing that eating kale specifically improves nail strength, growth, or appearance. However, kale does contain these nutrients in significant amounts, and diets rich in vegetables like kale can help prevent deficiencies that might impair nail health. For example, biotin (vitamin B7) deficiency is linked to brittle nails, and some small studies have shown that biotin supplementation can improve nail firmness and thickness. Similarly, iron deficiency is a known cause of spoon-shaped or brittle nails (koilonychia). Kale is a good plant-based source of iron and vitamin C, the latter of which helps with iron absorption. Thus, while there is scientific rationale for including kale in a diet to support nail health, there are no clinical trials directly linking kale consumption to improved nails. The evidence is based on the presence of supportive nutrients rather than specific studies on kale itself.

More about kale
More about Nails