Hydrolyzed Marine Collagen powder

[Mij]

I'm considering trying this expensive collagen powder to help improve my nail strength. The ridges on my finger nails started 5 years into the onset of M.E. My nails and hair grow like weeds but the quality of my fingernails is poor.

I've also read that taking a marine based collagen powder enhances joint health and can be beneficial for those of us who can't exercise. I eat enough protein and fish oil et but I can't get rid of the ridges.

 

[Tia]

I tried a collagen supplement earlier this year in powder form. Quite expensive. I gave up trying new supplements etc. years ago but this was bought for me. My hair condition did seem to improve but I have a super sensitive stomach that reacts to weird things and I think it may have upset my stomach (always hard to know if that's what it was) so I stopped. I don't think it did much for my nails but probably wasn't on it long enough. I'd be interested to hear how it goes for you.

 

[Mij]

I found this study that showed positive results after 12 weeks from taking a particular supplement brand.

 

[RedFox]

If this is something you eat, it will do nothing. Collagen is a protein, meaning your digestive system will break it down into its component amino acids before it's absorbed.

 

[Mij]

Yeah, it reminds me of when whey protien was the big fad 20 years ago.

 

[Jonathan Edwards]

Moreover, nails are not made of collagen. Nor is hair. They are made of keratin.
Even IV collagen would do nothing.

 

[Mij]

Thanks. I just saved myself $90

 

[Hutan]

The ridges on my finger nails started 5 years into the onset of M.E.

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319867
I know you can google as well as the rest of us @Mij, but I thought I'd share that link to discuss it. It, like other websites, mentions vertical ridges as being very common in nails as people get older. It also mentions anemia/iron deficiency as a cause, and, perhaps interestingly for people with ME/CFS, peripheral vascular disease.

It would be interesting to know if people with ME/CFS develop the vertical finger nail ridges while they are still young.

 

[NelliePledge]

I use cuticle oil to improve the condition of my nails I have ridges that are more noticeable nowadays. Buffing the nails makes them a bit smoother or a clear base coat of polish if either of those is tolerable

 

[Mij]

It, like other websites, mentions vertical ridges as being very common in nails as people get older. It also mentions anemia/iron deficiency as a cause, and, perhaps interestingly for people with ME/CFS, peripheral vascular disease.

Thanks, Hutan. Interesting re vascular disease. The ridges started in my mid 30s, five years after M.E onset. At first I thought it was from malabsorption b/c my ferritin was always tanking and I had to take iron for years. But after meno my ferritin has always stayed in the normal/higher range w/o taking any iron for the last 7 years.

Normally nails and hair share the same health? My hair isn't dry or brittle.

I massage my cuticles every night with jojoba oil which helps give them a smoother appearance but I have to keep them very short.