Skin, hair and nails are parts of the integumentary system of the body. These organs not only have a significant effect on our beauty, but also reflect the general health status of the body. In the following, we will discuss the most important points related to the care of skin, hair and nails and the importance of nutrition and nutritional supplements in protecting and improving the condition of our skin, hair and nails.

What are the general recommendations for maintaining the health of skin, hair and nails?

– Protect your skin from the sun (use appropriate sunscreen)

– Quit smoking

– Have gentle behavior with your skin; shorten your shower time, do not use strong or irritant soaps

– Use moisturizers

– Follow a healthy diet

– Control your stress

– Have enough sleep and rest

– Do exercise

– Drink plenty of fluids

What are the most important vitamins and minerals for the health of skin, hair and nails?

– Deficiency in many vitamins and minerals (micronutrients) as well as deficiency in the protein and essential amino acids (building blocks of proteins) can cause symptoms in the skin, hair and nails.

– Some vitamins and minerals play a stronger role in the health of skin, hair and nails. The most important components that are included in the supplements that help the health of the skin, hair and nails are: group B vitamins, especially biotin, pantothenic acid and folic acid, zinc (zinc), vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin D, as well as all substances which are important in hematopoiesis, especially iron, folic acid, vitamin B12 and vitamin B6.

What are some foods that contain useful vitamins and minerals for skin, hair and nails?

– Vegetables such as cabbage and spinach: contain vitamins A, C, E and K, as well as iron and selenium, which are present in spinach.

– Egg: contains protein, vitamins A and E, selenium, zinc, biotin, folate and other group B vitamins.

– Liver, meat and fish: contain protein and iron with high absorption capability

– Cereal bran: contains group B vitamins

– Legumes such as peas and lentils: contain protein, zinc and mineral salts

– Nuts such as walnuts and almonds: contain healthy fats, zinc, minerals and omega-3

– Avocado: contains healthy fats, vitamins A and E

– Olive oil: contains healthy fats and vitamin E

Is it possible to have useful vitamins and minerals together in one supplement for skin, hair and nails?

• Various supplements have been made and introduced to the market with useful effects on the skin, hair and nails. Each of these supplements contains a special combination of vitamins and minerals effective on the skin and hair. Some of the most important components in these supplements include:
• Zinc and group B vitamins as well as vitamin C: These vitamins and minerals may be used alone or in combination with each other. For example, in zinc tablets + group B vitamins + vitamin C NutriPad tablets, most of the valuable ingredients for skin, hair and nail health are included in one product.
• For those who are worried about increased appetite due to the consumption of group B vitamins, NutriPad zinc + vitamin C tablets (without group B vitamins) are also available. In Zinc Plus Biotin NutriPad tablets, biotin, which is the most important vitamin of group B in nail, hair and skin health, as well as zinc, which is an important mineral with this respect are combined with a high dose in one product.
• In NutriPad Collagen, collagen is combined with other vitamins and minerals such as biotin, vitamin E, vitamin C, zinc and bamboo extract to increase its effectiveness. Finally, a wide range of vitamins and minerals have been combined in NutriPad daily multivitamins and minerals. Therefore, according to our needs, we can use a supplement with the right combination of components. Below we will provide explanations and tips about important micronutrients related to skin, hair and nail health:

What is the role of group B vitamins in the health of skin, hair and nails?

• The importance of group B vitamins in the health of skin, hair and nails: skin, hair and nails are very active organs in terms of metabolism and as a result the need for energy. Skin and hair cells are constantly proliferating. In the skin, old cells are continuously shed and replaced by new cells (regeneration). Hair and nails are growing in the same way. Therefore, it is predictable that if the necessary nutrients and energy are not available for this level of activity, deficiency and disease will be occured. Other medical conditions such as hypothyroidism (thyroid is an important regulator of metabolism in the body), cause problems in hair growth, and changes in the appearance of the skin. In the same way, having a sufficient level of B vitamins, which play an important role in energy production and metabolism, is vital for the health of the skin, hair, and nails. Group B vitamins also promote skin hydration.
• Another important point is that many group B vitamins strengthen and complement each other’s absorption and effectiveness. In other words, in a situation where there is a deficiency of several vitamins from this group, the administration of one vitamin alone is not effective in eliminating the deficiency symptoms. For this reason, group B vitamins are usually used as a group under the name of B complex.
• The other point is that considering the role of group B vitamins in energy production and increasing the body’s metabolism, their consumption in high amounts may cause an excessive increase in appetite, which, of course, depending on the case, this effect may be desirable or undesirable.
• The most important vitamins of group B in relation to the health of the skin, hair and nails have the following effects:
• Biotin: Biotin (vitamin B7) is one of the important vitamins of group B, which plays an important role in metabolism and energy production. Biotin has been shown to have important effects in improving the health of the skin, hair, and nails. According to available scientific evidence, biotin has beneficial effects on improving brittle nail syndrome. It is also believed that biotin may reduce hair loss and improve hair growth. (Biotin may increase the thickness of hairs.)
• Biotin and group B vitamins are water-soluble vitamins, and taking them in higher amounts than RDA does not cause side effects. In fact, higher doses of these vitamins are used to increase the probability of effectiveness. Biotin plays important roles in the health of the nervous system and energy production in the body.
• Biotin is present in several NutriPad products:
  • NutriPad 1000 and 2500 micrograms biotin tablets: This product is considered a high-dose biotin product and can be used to quickly eliminate possible biotin deficiency in the body and ensure its effectiveness.
  • Vilimax NutriPad tablets: These tablets are a combination of biotin and pantothenic acid and are produced and recommended as an oral alternative to biotin and bepanthene ampoules. These tablets contain 5000 micrograms of biotin.
  • NutriPad Zinc Plus Biotin Tablets: These tablets also contain 5000 micrograms of biotin and are considered a high-dose biotin product. The high dose of zinc and biotin in this product is useful for faster elimination of possible deficiencies related to zinc and biotin (two very important micronutrients related to the health of the skin, hair and nails) and to ensure the faster effect of the product.
  • NutriPad zinc plus vitamin B and vitamin C tablets: this product also contains a good amount of biotin along with other B vitamins. Due to the balanced composition of the ingredients, this supplement is one of the most widely used supplements in the field of skin, hair and nail supplements.
  • NutriPad B complex tablets: this product contains group Bvitamins in the amount of the minimum daily requirement. At the same time, the amount of biotin in this product is several times the minimum daily requirement in order to increase the beneficial effects of the product on the skin, hair and nails. This product has the advantage that it will lead to less increase in appetite for its consumers (suitable for people who are worried about increasing their appetite and gaining weight), while due to the high amount of biotin, it has beneficial properties related to strengthening the skin and protecting hair and nails.

• Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid): Pantothenic acid in the form of the famous brand Bepanten (injectable ampoule) along with biotin (injectable ampoule) has been one of the most widely used injectable supplements around the world for many years to improve the condition of the skin, hair and nails, especially to reduce hair loss, increased hair growth, increased thickness of hair strands, and increased shine of hair along with reducing nail fragility and other beneficial effects on the body’s immune system.
  • Vilimax is the oral equivalent of biotin and bepanthene ampoules, which brings you the same beneficial effects without having to endure the pain caused by the injection. Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) also has beneficial effects in reducing or preventing acne and pimples on the face.
• Group B vitamins that are effective in hematopoiesis: Anemia is considered an important cause of hair loss, and some group B vitamins such as vitamin B12, folic acid, and vitamin B6 play a vital role in the hematopoiesis process, and their deficiency also causes hair loss.
  • These vitamins are present in NutriPad B complex tablets as well as Zinc Plus B complex plus vitamin C NutriPad tablets.
  • NoraPad tablet is another product of NutriPad, which is equivalent to Neurobion ampoule and contains a high dose of vitamin B1, B6 and B12.

What are the roles of zinc and folic acid in the health of skin, hair and nails?

• Zinc and folic acid are necessary for all tissues of the body where the rate of cell proliferation is high (such as skin, hair and nails). Zinc may also have beneficial effects on acne, and due to its antioxidant effects, it has also been shown to have anti-aging effects on the skin. On the other hand, collagen is an important structural protein of our body, which plays an important role in the flexibility and youth of the skin. Vitamin C and zinc are also necessary for the production of collagen in the body.
• NutriPad Zinc Plus Group B vitamins plus vitamin C tablets contain both of these compounds (zinc and folic acid) along with other vitamins of group B, which is a widely used supplements effective on skin, hair and nails at a reasonable price.
• NutriPad Zinc Plus Vitamin C tablets contain zinc and vitamin C (two important compounds in the production of collagen and skin health as well as the functioning of the immune system). Since this product does not contain group B vitamins, it is suitable for people who are concerned about increased appetite and weight gain due to the consumption of group B vitamins. Instead, the dose of vitamin C in this product is several times the minimum daily requirement, which helps to increase the antioxidant effects and boosting the immune system.

What beneficial effects does vitamin C have on skin, hair and nail health?

• Vitamin C has a protective effect against skin cancer due to its antioxidant effects. Due to its vital importance in the production of collagen, vitamin C also plays a role in the flexibility and youth of the skin.
  • NutriPad Zinc Plus Vitamin C tablets contain zinc and vitamin C (two important compounds in the production of collagen and skin health, as well as the functioning of the immune system).

What is the role of antioxidants on the skin, hair and nails health?

• Exposure to harmful substances and free radicals threatens the health of our body, including the health of our skin and hair. Antioxidants such as vitamin C, zinc, selenium and vitamin E, play a role in the general health of our body, as well as the health of our skin and hair, by neutralizing the harmful effects of free radicals.
  • NutriPad products containing zinc and vitamin C were explained in the previous sections. NutriPad vitamin E tablets are another product containing this important antioxidant. Vitamin E is used for fatty liver and breast cysts, as well as to prevent the progression of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases (two important diseases of the nervous system).

What is the importance of vitamin A and beta-carotene in the health of skin, hair and nails?

• Vitamin A: Vitamin A is one of the important vitamins for skin and hair health, the lack of which leads to specific skin manifestations. Taking adequate amounts of vitamin A plays a role in preventing acne. At the same time, consuming more than the required amount of vitamin A is harmful and therefore vitamin A should not be used more than the RDA.
• Beta-carotene is a precursor of vitamin A, which is found in plant sources such as carrots and yellow and orange vegetables. Beta-carotene has significant antioxidant properties.
• NutriPad daily multivitamin tablets and NutriPad mineral multivitamin tablets contain vitamin A in combination with other important vitamins and minerals.

How does vitamin D play a role in skin, hair and nail health?

• Vitamin D also plays a role in the health of the skin and hair with its anti-inflammatory effects and improving hydration of the skin. Vitamin D may also play a role in preventing skin aging. Deficiency in vitamin D is one of the causes of hair loss.
• The importance of vitamin D in hair loss was not properly understood until recently. It is known that vitamin D has a receptor in hair follicles, and its deficiency is considered one of the important causes of hair loss.
  • NutriPad daily multivitamin tablets, NutriPad Calcium-D tablets and calcium plus magnesium, zinc and vitamin D tablets contain this important vitamin. NutriPad vitamin D plus vitamin K1 and K2 tablets are another new and valuable product that contains vitamin D.

How does iron play a role in the health of skin, hair and nails?

• The deficiency in vitamins and minerals that could cause anemia is also associated with hair loss. Among the most important of these substances are iron, folic acid, vitamin B12, vitamin B6 and other B vitamins.
• Iron deficiency is also associated with specific manifestations in nails.
  • NutriPad daily multivitamin tablets and NutriPad multivitamin plus mineral tablets contain 18 milligrams of iron (equivalent to the minimum daily iron requirement) of this important element.

Can weight loss diets affect negatively on the skin, hair and nails health?

• Sudden changes in nutrition pattern, such as what happens in rapid weight loss or significant reduction in protein and calorie intake are important factors that could cause hair loss. These diets may expose a person to deficiencies in several vitamins and minerals that need to be compensated for by taking supplements.
  • NutriPad Daily Multivitamin Tablets and NutriPad Multivitamin plus Minerals Tablets are useful for preventing possible deficiencies when following weight management diets.

Are collagen supplements effective in improving the health of skin, hair and nails?

– Collagen is the most abundant protein present in the body, which participates in the structure of the skin, bones, cartilages, vessels and connective tissues such as tendons and ligaments. Different types of collagen are somewhat different from each other in terms of properties. Some types of collagen are present in the stronger and harder structures of the body, such as bones, and other types play a role in creating flexibility. For example, in the skin, collagen contribute in the skin flexibility and youth.

– In general, collagen type 1 and 3 are the most abundant types of collagen in the body.

– After the age of 20, we lose 1% of our skin’s collagen every year, and this phenomenon is part of the natural aging process of the skin, which ultimately leads to an increase in skin wrinkles and skin aging.

– The body is able to make collagen, but only if it has the right building blocks, the amino acids that are necessary for synthesis of collagen. Amino acids are provided to the body through protein materials such as meat, beans, egg whites, dairy products, etc. The quality of these proteins is not the same as the body’s collagen due to the difference in the amino acids present in their structures. One of the best types of collagen in this regard is collagen obtained from marine sources, which contains the highest amount of type 1 and type 3 collagen (the most abundant types of collagen in the body).

Does scientific evidence support the effectiveness of collagen supplements?

• Studies and clinical trials have shown that collagen supplements helps to build collagen in the body and strengthen collagen-containing structures such as skin, bones and cartilages by providing a suitable combination of amino acids. In particular, the hydrolyzed type of collagen is more easily absorbed, and the amino acids in this kind of collagen supplements are easily used to build collagen in the body.
• Increasing the production of collagen in the body can help to improve the flexibility of the skin, its hydration, freshness, softness and youth.
• Collagen is also an important component of bone structure. In people suffering from osteoporosis or decreased bone density, using collagen supplement along with calcium and other necessary vitamins will bring better results in improving bone density. Collagen can speed up the repair of bone fractures and the repair of soft tissue injuries (for example, damage to tendons and ligaments). Collagen also improves joint problems such as osteoarthritis, because collagen is an important part of the cartilage.
• Collagen is a very high quality protein that can help athletes to provide their body with required amino acids, and if this is combined with exercise, it can lead to an increase in muscle mass.
• The effectiveness of collagen increases in combination with some other components. Some of these substances that may be combined with collagen are:
  • Vitamin C: Vitamin C is necessary for the production of collagen in the body. Vitamin C has strong antioxidant effects and neutralizes the effects of harmful substances (such as free radicals) on the body and skin.
  • Vitamin E: Vitamin E is also one of the important vitamins for skin health. Vitamin E has strong antioxidant effects and prevents the effects of harmful substances on the skin. Vitamin E also helps to make collagen.
  • Zinc: Zinc is essential for all tissues of the body in which the rate of cell proliferation is high, and the most important of these tissues are skin and hair cells. Zinc is also necessary for the production of collagen. This element also has antioxidant effects.
  • Hyaluronic acid: Hyaluronic acid is one of the important components of the extracellular space, and is present in various tissues of the body, including skin. Hyaluronic acid plays a role in creating the flexibility and elasticity of the skin. The presence of hyaluronic acid along with collagen helps to enhance its beneficial effects.
  • Bamboo extract: Bamboo is a plant that has attracted the attention of researchers in the last few years. This plant contains very valuable nutrients. The nutritional value of bamboo is so great that some animals such as panda bears get their nutritional needs from bamboo plants. Silica is one of the substances found in the bamboo plant, which is considered to have anti-aging properties. Bamboo also contains various minerals such as magnesium, potassium and manganese and is actually a mineral complex of natural origin. Bamboo helps the reproduction and regeneration of skin cells. Bamboo extract is also a strong antioxidant. It is believed that bamboo extract helps to build collagen and proliferation of fibroblasts. Therefore, bamboo has many beneficial effects related to skin and hair, nails, bones and joints.
• NutriPad collagen supplements contain all the above useful compounds in one product.
• In general, the following effects can be listed for collagen as a supplement:
  • Improving skin hydration and elasticity
  • Prevention of wrinkles and skin aging
  • Increase strength and growth of nails
  • Helping hair growth and improving the thickness of hair strands
  • Help improve bone strength
  • Help increase body muscle mass
  • Help strengthen vessels and prevent vascular fragility
  • As a source of high quality proteins in athletes and weight loss diets

What is the proper dose and duration of use for collagen supplements to be effective?

• Collagen has been mostly investigated in doses ranging from 2.5 grams to 15 grams per day.
• It is necessary to continue taking collagen for at least 2-3 months to see its beneficial effects, but taking it for longer periods may produce better results.

What are the possible side effects of collagen supplements?

• Collagen rarely cause allergic reactions and digestive complications. Marine collagen should be consumed with caution in case of a history of seafood allergy.

Are there any contraindications or cautions for collagen use?

Yes,

– Severe forms of kidney or liver failure are potential contraindications for collagen supplements.

If you have a history of allergy to collagen or seafood, avoid taking collagen supplements.

– You should not use collagen during pregnancy or breastfeeding, unless directed by your doctor.