The health of your skin, hair and nails can be affected by the quality of your diet. Your skin and hair act as a barrier and the body’s first line of defence against damage, germs and ultraviolet radiation.

Nutritional deficiencies, food allergies and an excess of discretionary foods/beverages can affect your skin, hair and nails. Hence, it is important to eat a balanced diet to maintain good skin, hair and nails.

Protein

Skin, hair and nails are made up of mostly protein (keratin, collagen and elastin) which provides strength, and elasticity and prevents ageing. Most people eat plenty of protein but it’s important to have a varied intake and ensure you are getting all 9 essential amino acids for protein synthesis.

Adequate protein intake is needed to produce keratin, which is responsible for keeping your nails strong and robust. Your body may be able to use the amino acids in collagen to prevent hair follicle damage and build hair proteins for strengthening the skin containing the hair roots.

One serving of Nutreat Pro40 (40 grams or 1/3 metric cup) provides 16 grams of complete protein

Iron

A common symptom of low iron is tiredness and fatigue, but skin, hair and nails can also show signs of iron deficiency. Without adequate iron, oxygen does not get carried to your cells. Skin can become pale and itchy with cracking at the sides of the mouth. Nails may become dry, and brittle and develop vertical ridges or concave (become spoon-shaped) and occasionally detach from the nail bed. Hair can also fall out and be noticeably dry, dull and brittle. Red meat is the richest source of iron, plant-based sources include legumes and whole grains.

Zinc

Zinc is required for many reactions in your body, including the growth and division of cells, it can also help to protect against sun damage. Zinc contains antimicrobial properties which is why it is often used to treat skin conditions including bacterial acne. Deficiency can result in poor wound healing, and hair loss and can contribute to a degeneration of the nail plate, causing the appearance of white spots on the nails. Animal proteins like beef, poultry, fish and eggs are rich sources of zinc.

Biotin and other B Vitamins  

Biotin or vitamin B7 promotes healthy cell growth and aids in the metabolism of protein-building amino acids that are essential for hair and nail growth. While biotin deficiency is extremely rare, signs of deficiency include skin rashes, thinning of the hair, and brittle nails which is why biotin supplements are often promoted for hair, skin, and nail health.

The B-group vitamins are a group of eight water-soluble vitamins necessary for various metabolic processes.

Deficiency can result in various skin conditions as follows:

• Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) can result in cracks in the corners of the mouth, waxy dermatitis of the nose and oily skin with dry, flaky patches
• Vitamin B3 (Niacin) can result in flushed, sunburnt-looking skin.
• Vitamin B6 can result in dermatitis and other skin rashes.
• B vitamins are found in whole grains (brown rice, barley, millet), proteins (red meat, poultry, fish), eggs and dairy products, legumes, nuts and seeds and dark, leafy vegetables (broccoli, spinach).

Vitamins C & D  

These vitamins are both powerful antioxidants that prevent damage to the skin from free radicals in sunlight or pollution. Vitamin C is essential for the production of collagen, a fibrous protein that gives shape, strength and integrity to many tissues and is the building block of fingernails and hair. As skin ages, collagen is lost. Deficiency in vitamin C can result in brittle nails, as well as slowed nail growth.

Citrus fruits such as oranges, strawberries and kiwi and bell peppers, green vegetables and tomatoes are very high in vitamin C. Vitamin E is found in nuts, seeds, green leafy, avocado and oils such as rice bran, wheat germ and grapeseed.

Fluids

For well-hydrated skin hair and nails, you must drink plenty of water. Fluids assist in blood circulation and the delivery of nutrients to body tissues.

 

If you have a low dietary intake of any of the vitamins or minerals that affect hair, skin and nails then adding Nutreat Pro 40 to your diet may help you achieve healthy shiny hair, clear skin and long, strong nails.

Additionally, make sure you eat a varied diet with enough protein, iron, nuts, seeds, fruit, vegetables and omega-3 fats.

One serving of Nutreat Pro40 is high in protein and provides a rich source of 20 essential vitamins and minerals including Zinc, Calcium, Magnesium, and Vitamins C, E, A, D & B group.