Causes of Dry Brittle Hair & Nails

 

Dry or brittle hair and nails have many causes, including lifestyle issues, poor diet, medical conditions, and stress. A lack of Vit B7, also called Biotin, can cause Brittle nails and hair. 

 

 

 

Vitamin B7

 

It is water-soluble. It is found in foods like Meats (especially Liver), Eggs, Salmon, Sweet potatoes, Avocados, Nuts & Seeds.

 

A deficiency in B7 is rare but may result in thinning, dry, or brittle hair, weak and brittle or breaking nails, chronic fatigue, cramps, muscle pain, and tingling in the feet and hands.

 

It is essential to allow the body to break down fats, carbohydrates, and proteins from the diet. Many of the body’s systems, such as nerves, skin, and digestion, need Biotin to function correctly.

 

 

 

 

Vitamin B7 Supplements

 

While more research is needed, initial studies have shown that Biotin supplements resulted in increased hair growth in women with short-term hair thinning.

 

On a different note the use of Vit B7 supplements in people with type 2 diabetes when given with chromium has been shown to improve glucose metabolism and when it is given in high doses it can be useful in the management of peripheral neuropathy.

 

 

 

Causes of Brittle Hair & Nails

 

This deficiency is primarily due to poor diet, but alcoholism, heavy drinking, smoking, pregnancy, or certain digestive illnesses such as Chron’s Disease may predispose a person towards this deficiency.

 

Other causes included prolonged use of antibiotics and certain epilepsy medicines. Oddly enough even though eggs are a source of Biotin eating raw eggs can actually lead to a deficiency in it. Uncooked egg whites contain avidin. This protein binds to vit-B7 and blocks its absorption.

 

 

 

It is always preferable to consume B7 from a healthy well-balanced diet, but adults who tend towards dry, brittle, or thinning hair and nails could try a supplement of 30 micrograms a day. As it is water-soluble, the body will not store it, so there is little risk of toxicity with overdose.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other Treatments for Dry Brittle Hair & Nails

 

Using professional hair care products such as Aveda Rescue Remedy can dramatically improve the quality and shine of your hair. This Range comes with a shampoo, a conditioner and an intense hair treatment. Results can be seen after just one use. With regular use, your hair is transformed into shiny, young-looking hair.

 

For Hair thickening shampoos and treatments try Aveda Invati Range of Alpecin Shampoo. Thicker full hair can be seen after just one treatment.

 

Sally Hansen offers incredible Nail repair treatments which transform dry and brittle nails into strong and glamourous nails.

 

 

 

 

 

Ann O’Flynn B.Pharm, MA, BSc, MPSI

 

Ann is the owner of dPharmacy and has a particular interest in Health foods and supplements. Ann is a Tutor pharmacist and has gained numerous qualifications in alternative therapies - which she uses alongside her extensive clinical training. If you have any queries on medicines or health foods please reach out to us by email, text or phone.

 

 

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