Oral supplementation with specific bioactive collagen peptides improves nail growth and reduces symptoms of brittle nails

J Cosmet Dermatol. 2017 Dec;16(4):520-526. doi: 10.1111/jocd.12393. Epub 2017 Aug 8.

Abstract

Background: Brittle nail syndrome is a common problem among women and refers to nails that exhibit surface roughness, raggedness, and peeling.

Aim: The goal of this study was to investigate whether daily oral supplementation with collagen peptides alleviates the symptoms of brittle nails and improves nail growth rate.

Methods: In this open-label, single-center trial, 25 participants took 2.5 g of specific bioactive collagen peptides (BCP, VERISOL® ) once daily for 24 weeks followed by a 4-week off-therapy period. Nail growth rate and the frequency of cracked and/or chipped nails as well as an evaluation of symptoms and global clinical improvement score of brittle nails were assessed by a physician during treatment and 4 weeks after discontinuation.

Results: Bioactive collagen peptides treatment promoted an increase of 12% nail growth rate and a decrease of 42% in the frequency of broken nails. Additionally, 64% of participants achieved a global clinical improvement in brittle nails, and 88% of participants experienced an improvement 4 weeks post-treatment. The majority of participants (80%) agreed that the use of BCP improved their nails' appearance, and were completely satisfied with the performance of the treatment.

Conclusions: This study demonstrated that the daily ingestion of BCP increased nail growth and improved brittle nails in conjunction with a notable decrease in the frequency of broken nails.

Keywords: bioactive collagen peptides; brittle nails; collagen hydrolysate; dietary supplements; fragile nails; nail growth.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Adult
  • Collagen / administration & dosage
  • Collagen / therapeutic use*
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Nail Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Nails / drug effects
  • Nails / growth & development*
  • Patient Satisfaction
  • Peptides / administration & dosage
  • Peptides / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Peptides
  • Collagen