Nails

Description

Nails are a horny layer comprised of Keratin that protect the end of each finger and toe.  Nails are a substructure of the Epidermis of the Skin.  The area  of Skin upon which Nails grown is known as the Nail Bed.  Nails grow at the rate of 0.05 - 1.2 millimeters per week.

The medical name for any ailment of the Nails is Onychosis.

Amino Acids

 Amino Acids - Sulfur-Containing (i.e. Cysteine, Methionine ^[1] and Taurine) may provide the body with Sulfur that is required for the optimal health of the Nails.

Carbohydrates

 Glucosamine Sulfate may increase the rate of growth of Nails and may increase the strength (toughness) of Nails.  ^[2]

Digestive System Chemicals

 Nails that split easily may occur as a result of insufficient production of Hydrochloric Acid (Hypochlorhydria). 

Hair Improvers

 Viviscal (a patented extract of marine Polysaccharides derived from the Cartilage of deep sea Fish combined with Silicon) is claimed to improve the health of the Nails (probably due to the Silicon content of Viviscal). 

Hormones

 Progesterone (exogenous, natural Progesterone) may clear white spots that appear in (finger) Nails. 

Lipids

 Brittle Nails that split easily may be a symptom of Alpha-Linolenic Acid (LNA) deficiency. 

 Brittle Nails that split easily may be a symptom of Linoleic Acid (LA) deficiency.  ^[3]

Minerals

 Very dry or brittle Nails may occur as a result of Calcium deficiency. 

 Iodine may improve the health of the Nails.