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

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Table of Contents

Synopsis

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

Collagen is commonly promoted as a dietary supplement to support nail health, based on both its structural role in the body and emerging scientific research. Collagen is a primary protein in the extracellular matrix of skin, hair, and nails, providing strength and structure. Several small-scale studies have investigated the effects of oral collagen supplementation on nail health. For example, a 2017 open-label study published in Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology found that participants who took a daily bioactive collagen peptide supplement for 24 weeks experienced a 12% increase in nail growth rate and a 42% decrease in the frequency of broken nails. However, this and similar studies are limited by small sample sizes, lack of blinding, and funding from supplement manufacturers. Systematic reviews note that while preliminary results are promising, there is insufficient large-scale, high-quality evidence to definitively support routine use of collagen supplements for nail health. Traditional use of collagen-rich foods or gelatin for nails is limited and not well-documented. Overall, scientific evidence provides some support for the use of collagen in nail health, but the quality and quantity of research warrant a moderate evidence rating.

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