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

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Table of Contents

Synopsis

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

Sulfur is an essential mineral that plays a significant role in the health and structure of nails. The primary scientific justification for its use comes from the fact that sulfur is a key component of keratin, the fibrous protein that forms the structural basis of nails (as well as skin and hair). Keratin's strength and resilience are due in part to disulfide bonds, which are chemical links between sulfur atoms in the amino acid cysteine. These bonds help provide rigidity and durability to nails. Several studies and authoritative sources, such as dermatology textbooks, note that deficiencies in sulfur-containing amino acids can be associated with brittle nails or poor nail growth. However, while the biological rationale is well-understood, direct clinical evidence showing that dietary sulfur supplementation alone (in the absence of deficiency) significantly improves nail health is limited. Most evidence comes from the broader context of protein and amino acid nutrition rather than sulfur supplementation per se. Topical treatments containing sulfur have also been used in dermatology, though more for conditions like acne or fungal infections than specifically for nail strengthening. In summary, there is a solid scientific basis for the importance of sulfur in nail health, but direct evidence for the effectiveness of sulfur supplements in improving nail quality in healthy individuals is moderate rather than strong.

More about Sulfur
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Other body systems supported by Sulfur

Gastrointestinal Tract
Hair
Joints
Liver
Nails
Skin

Products containing Sulfur

We currently have no products on Caring Sunshine that contain this ingredient.