Another reason to take vitamins? They might help prevent brittle, weak nails that constantly break or split. The best vitamins for nails come from foods like leafy greens, eggs, nuts, seeds, sweet potatoes, and cold-water fish, which are rich in key nutrients. According to Dr. Dana Stern, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, “Vitamins B, C, E, A, along with biotin, magnesium, zinc, and iron, are all essential for nail health. A balanced diet with these vitamins, minerals, and nutrients should provide the support you need for healthy nails.”
If you’re deficient in any of these, a nail supplement can be part of a broader strategy. Taylor Fazio, a registered dietitian and wellness advisor for The Lanby, notes, “Supplements like nail vitamins can fill nutritional gaps, but they aren’t a cure-all. For the safest and most effective use, work with a practitioner who can evaluate your needs, guide your choices, and monitor progress through bloodwork over time.”
Whether you prefer short natural nails or long, glossy manicures, experts recommend these top nail vitamins to keep yours in great shape.
Best Overall Nail Vitamin: Wellbel Women Clean Supplement for Hair, Skin, and Nails
$70 at Amazon
Why we love it: Wellbel offers a clean, balanced formula with key nutrients like biotin, selenium, iodine, and methylated B vitamins. Taylor Fazio explains, “It uses a lower, more physiologic dose of biotin (500 mcg), which supports keratin production with less risk of side effects like acne or interference with lab tests.” It’s vegan, hormone-free, and allergen-conscious, making it a gentle and transparent option for long-term use. It also avoids herbal blends that may not suit everyone or interact with medications.
Key Ingredients: Vitamin B12, biotin, zinc, selenium
Form: Capsules
Serving Size: 3 capsules
Certifications: Non-GMO
Best Nail Vitamin With Protein: Momentous Essential Grass-Fed Whey Protein Powder
$55 at Amazon
Why we love it: Since nails are mostly protein, ensuring adequate protein intake is key. Dr. Stern recommends this grass-fed whey powder, which provides 20 grams of protein per serving. “If you want to improve nail health, consider a whey-based protein over plant-based options,” she says. It’s cold-processed and micro-filtered to preserve amino acids and includes ProHydroase, an enzyme blend that enhances absorption. Protein needs vary by activity level—those who weight train may require more.
Key Ingredients: Whey protein isolate, ProHydroase
Form: PowderBest Nail Vitamin with Iron: MaryRuth Organics Iron Gummies
MaryRuth Organics Iron Gummies with Vitamin C
$22 → $18 (18% off) | AMAZON
Why We Love It:
Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies worldwide, affecting around 30% of people. It can show up in nails as vertical ridges, spoon-shaped nails, brittleness, discoloration, or slow growth, according to Dr. Marnie Nussbaum. These grape-flavored gummies provide iron and vitamin C—which helps with iron absorption—without added sugar, nuts, or gelatin. However, Dr. Fazio notes that iron supplements should only be used when a deficiency is confirmed by a healthcare professional, as improper use can do more harm than good.
Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, iron
Form: Gummy
Serving Size: 2 gummies
Certifications: Clean Label Project Certified, B Corp Certified
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Best Nail Vitamin For Nail Strength: Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Advanced
Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Advanced
$51 → $43 (16% off) | AMAZON
Why We Love It:
Collagen production decreases with age, but this structural protein is key for nail strength. Hydrolyzed collagen peptides are easily absorbed and may help strengthen nails, especially when combined with adequate overall protein intake. This powder comes in unflavored, strawberry lemon, vanilla, and chocolate options, and includes vitamin C to support collagen synthesis.
Key Ingredients: Collagen peptides, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C
Form: Powder
Serving Size: 3 tablespoons
Certifications: Paleo-friendly, Whole30 Approved
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Best Nail Vitamin For Flaky Nails: Naomi Mighty Mg
Naomi Mighty Mg Magnesium Glycinate
$28 | AMAZON
Why We Love It:
Magnesium supports many bodily functions, including nail health. A deficiency can lead to weak, flaky nails and vertical ridges. Magnesium also helps activate vitamin D, which is linked to thicker nails and bone density. This capsule provides 360mg of magnesium glycinate and malate per serving.
Key Ingredients: Magnesium glycinate and malate
Form: Capsule
Serving Size: 2 capsules
Certifications: Non-GMO
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Best Nail Vitamin For Brittle Nails: Dr. Mercola Hair, Skin and Nails
Dr. Mercola Hair, Skin and Nails
$30 | AMAZON
Why We Love It:
Nails are made of keratin, a protein that supports strength and shine. A lack of keratin can lead to brittle, slow-growing nails. This supplement uses hydrolyzed (soluble) keratin, which is easier to digest. Early research suggests it may help strengthen and improve nail appearance over time.
Key Ingredients: Hydrolyzed keratin
Form: Capsule
Serving Size: 1 scoop
Certifications: NSF-certifiedSourced from New Zealand wool, this supplement contains biotin to support keratin production, along with hyaluronic acid.
Key Ingredients: Keratin, biotin, hyaluronic acid
Form: Capsule
Serving Size: 2 capsules
Certifications: None listed
Best Nail Vitamin For Nail Thickness: Thorne Biotin
Thorne Biotin – $27 on Amazon
Why We Love It:
Biotin is well-known for supporting hair growth, but it can also benefit nails. “Nails, like hair, are made of proteins such as keratin and collagen,” says Fazio. “They need similar nutrients to grow and repair, including biotin, zinc, and vitamins A, C, and E.” Thorne’s formula provides 8mg of biotin per serving, which may help strengthen and thicken nails. This amount is below the 10mg threshold that the FDA has warned could interfere with certain lab tests.
In 2017, the FDA cautioned that high biotin intake (over 10mg) might skew results for tests like thyroid hormone levels (T4, T3, and TSH). Dr. Stern advises keeping biotin doses under 10mg and informing your doctor if you’re taking it before blood work. Most people get enough biotin from foods like beef liver and eggs. Unless you have a deficiency, biotin supplements may not provide noticeable benefits.
Key Ingredients: Biotin
Form: Capsule
Serving Size: 2 capsules
Certifications: Third-party tested
Everything You Need to Know:
Can vitamins really help your nails?
Vitamins can improve nail health if you’re deficient in key nutrients, says Fazio. However, if your diet is already balanced, supplements may have little effect. “Supplements work best when they address specific deficiencies—like biotin, zinc, or iron—and that’s when you’re most likely to see results,” she explains.
Other factors can also affect nail health. Dr. Nussbaum notes that thyroid problems, aging, poor circulation, frequent manicures, fungal infections, psoriasis, Raynaud’s syndrome, weather, chemical exposure, and other environmental factors may contribute. “It’s important to work with a professional to identify the root cause of nail issues for proper treatment,” she advises.
Which vitamin is best for nails?
To choose the right vitamins, consider your overall health and check for deficiencies. Dr. Nussbaum points out that low levels of iron, zinc, biotin, or B vitamins can show up in nail condition. Below are some key ingredients to consider:
Biotin
Also known as vitamin B7, biotin is a water-soluble vitamin that helps convert nutrients into energy. “It supports keratin production, a key protein in nails,” says Fazio. “Although rare, biotin deficiency is linked to brittle nails.” While generally safe, biotin can interfere with blood test results, especially thyroid tests. Dr. Stern adds that recent reviews have questioned biotin’s effectiveness for nail health, despite its previous popularity.
Protein
Protein is essential for nail health. “Nails are mostly made of protein, so if you already get enough through your diet, additional protein may not be necessary,” says Dr. Stern. She recommends focusing on overall protein intake since keratin, the main component of nails, is protein-based.
Collagen
Collagen is a protein that provides structure and strength to nails.Dr. Nussbaum explains that collagen provides structure and strength to tissues, serving as a building block for nails, hair, and teeth. Fazio recommends hydrolyzed collagen peptides (types I and III) as the most effective supplement form, noting that the body requires a full range of amino acids to build nails, and collagen works best when overall protein intake is adequate.
Vitamin C is a water-soluble antioxidant that protects cells from oxidative stress and damage. Fazio adds that it is essential for collagen synthesis, which supports skin elasticity, hair structure, and nail strength, and also aids in iron absorption.
Zinc is an essential micronutrient and trace mineral. Dr. Stern notes that it plays a role in over 300 enzymatic reactions and more than 2,000 transcription factors involved in regulating metabolism and gene expression. This makes it crucial for cell repair, growth, and inflammation control. Dr. Nussbaum adds that insufficient zinc can lead to nail plate degeneration or Beau’s lines—horizontal grooves across the nails.
Iron is another essential mineral. Fazio explains that it supports red blood cell production and oxygen delivery to tissues, including nails. Iron deficiency is a common cause of hair loss, dull skin, and pale or discolored nails. Dr. Nussbaum adds that it may also contribute to vertical ridges, brittle nails, or spoon-shaped nails.
Meet the Experts
– Dr. Dana Stern, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in New York City specializing in nail health.
– Taylor Fazio is a registered dietitian and wellness advisor for The Lanby in New York.
– Dr. Marnie Nussbaum, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist in New York City.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of helpful and clear FAQs about the best vitamins for nails
Beginner Questions The Basics
Q Why would I need vitamins for my nails
A Your nails are made of keratin a protein Certain vitamins and minerals are essential for your body to produce strong healthy keratin If youre deficient your nails can become weak brittle or discolored
Q What are the most important vitamins for strong nails
A Experts most commonly recommend Biotin Iron and Zinc These are the powerhouses for promoting nail strength and growth
Q I have weak peeling nails What vitamin am I probably missing
A Brittle splitting nails are often linked to a deficiency in Biotin or Iron
Q Can I just get these vitamins from food
A Absolutely A balanced diet is the best first step Biotin is found in eggs nuts and bananas Iron in red meat spinach and lentils and Zinc in seafood pumpkin seeds and whole grains
Intermediate Questions Specifics Benefits
Q What does Biotin actually do for my nails
A Biotin helps your body metabolize amino acids which are the building blocks of protein Since nails are made of protein this leads to thicker stronger nail plates that are less prone to breaking
Q My nails have white spots Is that a vitamin deficiency
A Contrary to popular belief white spots are usually caused by minor trauma to the nail base not a calcium deficiency However widespread white spots can sometimes indicate a Zinc deficiency
Q Are there other key nutrients besides vitamins
A Yes Omega3 fatty acids help keep the nail bed moisturized to prevent cracking and Protein itself is critical as its the main structural component of nails
Q What vitamin helps with hangnails and dry cuticles
A This is often a sign of general dehydration or a lack of healthy fats While not a direct fix ensuring you have enough Omega3s and staying hydrated can improve the health of your cuticles and the skin around your nails
Advanced Practical Questions