Oral nail growth supplements: a comprehensive review

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Cosmeceutical Science
• Pharmacology

Background:

• The cosmeceutical market for nail products is rapidly expanding.
• There is a lack of mandatory Food and Drug Administration (FDA) efficacy and safety assessments for over-the-counter (OTC) nail growth products.
• Patients face financial and health risks due to the absence of regulatory review for OTC nail products.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide dermatologists with evidence-based information on OTC nail growth products.
• To review available oral nail growth supplements.
• To discuss the mechanisms of action and potential side effects of these products.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review of available oral nail growth products.
• Analysis of scientific data on product ingredients and their purported effects.
• Examination of reported side effects and safety profiles.

Main Results:

• The review identifies various oral supplements marketed for nail growth.
• Mechanisms of action often involve purported nutritional support or biochemical pathways.
• Limited peer-reviewed data exists for many products regarding efficacy and safety.

Conclusions:

• Dermatologists require robust data to guide patients on OTC nail growth products.
• The lack of FDA pre-market review necessitates critical evaluation of these supplements.
• Further research is needed to establish the efficacy and safety of oral nail growth products.