Can I Take Hair Skin and Nails Vitamins While Pregnant

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Byrdie / Chloe Jeong

Let's get one thing out of the way: When looking for specific supplements to support hair, skin, and nail health, research is limited. The most well-known supplement used to support hair, skin, and nail health is biotin, an essential B vitamin, meaning humans must obtain it from food (or supplements). For many, biotin is well-tolerated and safe at high doses, but for some, it may cause clinically significant falsely high (or falsely low) laboratory test results.

Shoppers might get the best bang for their buck by purchasing multivitamins, B complex supplements, or specialized formulas that contain a blend of nutrients known to support hair, skin, and nail health.

What to Look For in Hair, Skin, and Nail Vitamins

Dose

Although biotin is water-soluble and does not stay in the body for long, large doses can affect laboratory values. If you're looking to take biotin to support general health or primarily to support hair, skin, or nails it might not be the wisest decision. As always, update your healthcare provider when adding in a new supplement and be on the lookout for side effects.

Certifications and third-party testing

When it comes to supplements, choosing one can be like entering the wild west. Any individual or company can bring a new supplement to the market, with no need for proof of safety or efficacy before the sale—which is why it's of the utmost importance to do your own research when shopping for a new product.

Opt for companies that independently test their products to verify quality and potency. It is also wise to look for a product that has a "certified non-GMO" or "USDA Organic" seal for optimal ingredient integrity.

Additional or complementary nutrients

Hair, skin, and nail supplements can contain a variety of ingredients including nutrients that are thought to promote hair, skin, and nail health, such as other B vitamins or herbs. If you're taking prescription medications or other supplements, it is always important to check with your healthcare provider to ensure safety.

Interested in adding a new supplement to your routine? Read on for the best hair, skin, and nail vitamins.

Our Top Picks

Featuring 5,000 micrograms of D-biotin, this is a great choice for those looking for a biotin supplement that packs a punch.

These snackable gummies are packed with biotin, vitamins, and antioxidants.

One bottle of 150 soft gels is priced at less than $15—a total steal.

This product contains a proprietary ingredient blend that's designed specifically to support hair health.

These capsules contain a blend of vitamins, minerals, extracts, and amino acids to support hair health.

These plant-based tablets contain vitamins A, C, E, and B6, biotin, zinc, selenium, and more.

These capsules are designed to support healthy skin with a blend of ingredients including vitamin C, zinc, and manganese.

This multivitamin contains vitamins B12, D3, E, and K2, as well as omega-3 fatty acids.

In addition to all eight B vitamins, this product includes a raw probiotic and enzyme blend designed for digestive support.

The collagen used here is Verisol, a form of bioactive collagen peptides that have been used in research studies.

What We Like

• Affordable

• Vegan and vegetarian

What We Don't Like

• Some reviewers gave mixed feedback

Jarrow Formulas is our top pick for the best overall hair, skin, and nail supplement because of its super simple ingredient list. Featuring 5,000 micrograms of D-biotin, the naturally occurring form of biotin, this is a great choice for those looking for a biotin supplement that packs a punch. Certified-Gluten Free by NSF, this product is also free of soybeans, dairy, egg, fish, shellfish, peanuts, and tree nuts. One capsule provides over 16,000 percent of the recommended daily intake of biotin.

Type: Capsule | Age Range: Adults 18+ | Dosage: 1 daily | Certified: Gluten-free

What We Like

• Very affordable

• Gluten free
  

• No artificial colors or flavors

What We Don't Like

• Intended for occasional use only

Looking for a tasty supplement that packs a nourishing punch? Olly's gummies contain biotin, vitamins C and E, and keratin, a protein that makes up much of our hair and nails. We love that there are only 2 grams of sugar per serving, as well as no artificial colors or flavors—and its super affordable price tag is a bonus, too.

Type: Gummies | Age Range: Adults 18+ | Dosage: 2 daily | Certified: B corporation, gluten-free

What We Like

• A+ rating by LabDoor

• Free of artificial ingredients

What We Don't Like

• Contains soy

• Contains gelatin

Nature's Bounty 5,000 mcg Biotin is an awesome budget-friendly option—one bottle of 150 soft gels is priced at less than $15. This biotin-only supplement is free of other herbs or complementary ingredients, so you can feel confident adding it to your daily routine.

Type: Softgel | Age Range: Adults 18+ | Dosage: 1 daily | Certified: Gluten-free

What We Like

• Blend of vitamins, minerals, herbs and collagen

• Winner of a 2018 Best of Beauty Breakthrough

What We Don't Like

• Serving size is four capsules

• Expensive

Research investigating collagen's role in hair growth and repair is minimal—however, one study found that taking collagen supplements for three months modestly increased hair thickness. (It is important to note, though, that this study was funded by the supplement company.)

Nutrafol contains a powerful proprietary blend of ingredients, called the Synergen Complex, that's specifically designed support hair health. Some of these nutrients include marine collagen, biotin, keratin, zinc, and vitamin A, among many others. Nutrafol also gives shoppers the choice of subscribing to monthly deliveries or making a one-time purchase.

Type: Capsules | Age Range: Adult 18-44 | Dosage: 4 daily | Certified: Vegetarian, drug-free, hormone-free

What We Like

• Blend of vitamins, minerals, herbs and collagen

• Dye and color additive free

What We Don't Like

• Serving size is four capsules

Country Life Maxi Hair contains a blend of vitamins, minerals, extracts, and amino acids designed to support hair health. In addition to 5,000 micrograms of biotin, one serving contains Methylsulfonylmethane (an anti-inflammatory agent), horsetail extract, L-cysteine, and L-Methionine (an essential amino acid). In addition to being free of common allergens and preservatives, this product is also magnesium stearate-free. As a bonus, Country Life produces its products using renewable energy, so you can feel good about treating your hair (and the earth) right.

Type: Capsule | Age Range: Adults 18-44 | Dosage: 4 daily | Certified: Gluten-free

What We Like

• Certified glyphosate free product

• Sourced from whole foods

What We Don't Like

• Serving size is four capsules

Two plant-based tablets contain vitamins A, C, E, and B6, biotin, zinc, and selenium as well as and carrots, organic oranges, organic brown rice, and organic nettle leaf (a type of plant that has been used in herbal medicine). Following the brand's motto, "beauty from the inside out," this supplement is formulated to nourish and support healthy hair, nails, and skin. We love that Megafood is glyphosate residue-free, certified gluten-free, certified vegan, kosher, and free of dairy and soy.

Type: Tablet | Age Range: Adults 18+ | Dosage: 2 daily | Certified: Gluten-free, non-GMO, B corporation, vegan, kosher, glyphosate residue-free

What We Like

• Free of artificial ingredients and preservatives

What We Don't Like

• Not suitable for vegans or vegetarians

These capsules from Pure Encapsulations are designed to support healthy hair, skin, and nails with a powerful blend of vitamins and minerals—including vitamin C, zinc, copper, manganese, and silica—as well as collagen. One serving of this supplement also contains a CoQ10 complex, an antioxidant, and niacinamide.

Type: Capsules | Age Range: Adults 18+ | Dosage: 2 daily | Certified: Gluten-free

What We Like

• Subscription-based model ensures you never run out

• Includes omega-3 fatty acids

What We Don't Like

• Only a two week supply in one bottle

This formula includes nine nutrients designed to support healthy skin, hair, and nails, including folate, vitamins B12, D3, E, and K2, and omega-3 fatty acids. This supplement also contains iron and is vegan and free of common allergens. Plus, because it comes in delayed-release capsules, it's specially designed to dissolve in the small intestine, which is an ideal place to absorb nutrients. FYI, Ritual also offers a prenatal vitamin, which is a Team Byrdie fave.

Type: Capsules | Age Range: Adult 18-49 | Dosage: 2 daily | Certified: Vegan, allergen-free

What We Like

• 100% of the recommended daily values of B vitamins

• Fruit and vegetable blend for nutrition

What We Don't Like

• Not specifically designed for hair, skin and nails

When it comes to vitamins and minerals, most work more efficiently when consumed together as opposed to on their own. For example, taking a combination of B Vitamins (or, a B Complex supplement) at once as opposed to individual B vitamins (such as biotin) may improve their overall efficacy. In addition to containing all eight B vitamins, this supplement includes a raw probiotic and enzyme blend designed to aid in digestive support, as well as a vegetable blend for additional nutritional support.

Type: Capsules | Age Range: Adults 18+ | Dosage: 2 daily | Certified: Gluten-free, non-GMO, vegan, kosher

What We Like

• Third-party tested

• Verified by consumerlabs.com

What We Don't Like

• Collagen is sourced from pig

Collagen is one of the main components of skin elasticity and structure. Besha, a German-made collagen product, is our top pick for the best skin supplement with collagen. ConsumerLabs, a third-party testing company, ranked it as its top pick for skin, as well. The collagen used in Besha is Verisol, a form of bioactive collagen peptides that have been used in research studies. An important point to note is that Verisol is derived from pigs, so if you have dietary restrictions, you may want to pick collagen sourced from fish or cow.

Type: Powder | Age Range: Adult 18+ | Dosage: 2.9 grams | Certified: n/a

What We Like

• Provides antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits

• Suitable for vegans

What We Don't Like

• Contains Triphala which may have a slight laxative effect

This vegan supplement is designed to help you support the healthy growth of hair, nail, and skin tissue. Gaia uses specific herbs and ingredients (like horsetail extract) that have been used for their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and light protective effects. A unique ingredient in this supplement is Astaxanthin, a pigment found in plants and algae that may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Type: Capsule | Age Range: Adult 18+ | Dosage: 2 twice daily | Certified: B corporation, vegan, gluten-free, soy-free

Final Verdict

When it comes to supplements, less is more unless instructed by your physician. If you're considering adding a hair, skin, and nail supplement to your routine, we love products that keep the ingredient list simple by focusing on well-known nutrients. For this reason, Pure Encapsulations is our pick for the best overall supplement. If you're in the market for a budget-friendly option, consider Nature's Bounty Biotin.

Meet the Expert

Georgia Forsyth is a nutritionist and naturopath based in Sydney, Australia. She's the founder of Cohere Studio, a health and nutrition consultancy that provides qualified advice from nutritionists to its clients.

FAQ

• Do hair, skin, and nail vitamins work?

  According to nutritionist Georgia Forsyth, they can work, but it's important to reach for formulas that include specific vitamins and minerals. She recommends looking for products with zinc, vitamins E and C, selenium, vitamin B (in particular, niacin and riboflavin), and collagen.

• Are hair, skin, and nail vitamins safe?

  The ingredients that collectively make up most hair, skin, and nail supplements aren't harmful due to each vitamin and mineral being present in a smaller concentration, explains Forsyth. "However, it's important to be mindful of where your products are sourced," she says. "Look for reputable brands that come backed by experts in the field." She also recommends looking out for single-ingredient vitamins in some cases, such as with zinc, in order to be able to monitor exactly how much you're ingesting.

  Whether a single-ingredient or a multivitamin, she stresses the importance of reading the product instructions thoroughly and checking with a dedicated health professional before integrating any new supplement into your routine.

• Can you take hair, skin, and nail vitamins with prenatal vitamins?

  When it comes to mixing beauty supplements with prenatal vitamins, it really depends on each product's formula. "It's best to consult with your healthcare practitioner if you're expecting or wanting to conceive," says Forsyth.

• Can you take hair, skin, and nail vitamins with a multivitamin?

  In the case of mixing them with multivitamins, Forsyth says it's typically safe to take both at the same time. "There generally is no real harm in upping the ante; however, the body is only able to metabolize, store, and absorb so many nutrients at a time," she says. "An overdosage of a specific vitamin or mineral will not increase your results. Instead, you'll just flush it out (and it will essentially go to waste)."

• How often should you take hair, skin, and nail vitamins?

  When it comes to taking beauty supplements, Forsyth suggests taking them every day for maximum results. "However, if you notice any side effects or your skin is having an averse reaction, it may be best to take a break or call it quits," she says. She also mentions the importance of getting familiar with the label of your chosen supplement. "This will break down specific ingredients, the correct dosage, and how long you'll need to keep it up until you start to see results," she says.

Why Trust Byrdie

As a registered dietitian, Sydney Greene takes supplement recommendations seriously. Every product has been researched and vetted by her against clinical research, product reviews, and third-party testing websites. These are products she would not only feel comfortable recommending to her clients but would take them herself if needed.

According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find any hair, skin, and nail vitamins from a Black-owned and/or Black-founded business. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com and we will evaluate the product ASAP.

Can I Take Hair Skin and Nails Vitamins While Pregnant

Source: https://www.byrdie.com/best-hair-skin-and-nail-vitamins

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