While the market abounds in “hair and nails” products, reliable studies on nails are scarce. Benefits to nails from supplements are most often anecdotal or inferred from studies on hair. Preliminary evidence suggests that minoxidil might help with nail growth; vitamin B7 (biotin) might help with brittle nails, triangular worn-down nails, trachyonychia, or habit-tic deformity; and vitamin E might help with yellow nail syndrome and brittle nails. Current evidence suggests that supplementation with calcium, copper, iron, selenium, silica, zinc, vitamin A (retinoids), vitamin B12, or vitamin C doesn’t improve nail health or appearance in non-deficient people.[1][2]
Why aren’t there more supplements for nails?
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•Last Updated: May 16, 2025
The scarcity of reliable studies on nail health limits the availability of supplements specifically for nails; most benefits are anecdotal or based on hair studies. Some preliminary evidence suggests that minoxidil and biotin may aid nail growth and brittleness, but other vitamins and minerals do not improve nail health in people without deficiencies.