PRESCRIPTIONS
Gelatin a protein source and nail strengthener? Better reconsider
By Amy Tousman
Q. My fingernails break easily. Should I use gelatin to strengthen them?
A. Gelatin has been touted as a protein source and nail strengthener for many years. Unfortunately, science has not found much nutritional or medical use for it.
Gelatin is made by boiling skin, connective tissue and bones of animals in water. Gelatin contains some protein, but it is poor-quality protein. It is low in essential amino acids. Without those amino acids, it cannot take part in the growth and repair of nails or other body tissues.
Several years ago, Knox gelatin's maker was told by the FTC that it could no longer claim gelatin promotes better hair and nail growth.
Research on gelatin has been going on for at least 100 years. In May 1902, the Journal of the American Medical Association reported that animals fed only gelatin rapidly lose strength and weight and finally die of starvation. According to www.nutritionnewsfocus.com, "gelatin was the main protein source for the liquid diets in the 1970s. These diets caused the deaths of dozens of people from a lack of essential minerals."
Although nutritional deficiencies are rarely the cause of brittle or weak nails, Elizabeth Somer, a registered dietitian writing for www.webmd.com, says nutrients such as protein, iron, selenium, zinc, and vitamins E, K and C are involved in nail growth and circulation of blood to the nails. Deficiencies of these nutrients might result in weak nails. Eating foods containing these nutrients such as whole-grain breads, fruits and vegetables, iron-rich cereals and meats may help.
Many times, the cause of weak and brittle nails is frequent exposure to water or detergents. Hands that go in and out of water all day can dry out, leading to chipped and cracked nails.
Here are tips offered by the Mayo Clinic to toughen and protect weak fingernails:
- Keep nails short, square-shaped and slightly rounded at the top.
- Apply a nail hardener, but avoid products containing toluene sulfonamide or formaldehyde because these can irritate the skin.
- Apply a moisturizer each time you wash your hands.
- Wear cotton-lined gloves when exposing your hands to water or household chemicals.
Gelatin is great in a tasty low-calorie snack, but it has no healthful properties. Don't expect it to cure what ails you.
Amy Tousman is a registered dietitian at Straub Clinic & Hospital Inc. and a member of the Hawai'i Dietetic Association.
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