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Tipnut Mailbag: Does Gelatin or Jello Really Strengthen Nails?
Kate sent this in wondering if it was true, it’s an old clipping she found in her aunt’s recipe binder:
Just pick your favorite drink and stir in Knox Gelatine
Brittle fingernails? Correct them the one way published medical research proved effective . . .
Drink one envelope of Knox Gelatine each day in fruit or vegetable juice, bouillon or water.
Published clinical studies show how with this Knox Drink at least 7 out of 10 women restored brittle nails to normal condition within 90 days.
I have notes that say eating lots of Jello helps strengthen your nails or drinking Knox daily will grow beautiful nails, but never posted that here on Tipnut after I did a bit of research and found this on Wikipedia:
For decades, gelatin has been touted as a good source of protein. It has also been said to strengthen nails and hair. However, there is little scientific evidence to support such an assertion, one which may be traced back to Knox’s revolutionary marketing techniques of the 1890s, when it was advertised that gelatin contains protein and that lack of protein causes dry, deformed nails. In fact, the human body itself produces abundant amounts of the proteins found in gelatin. Furthermore, dry nails are usually due to a lack of moisture, not protein.
So it looks like the answer to the question is: Nope, gelatin does not make your nails grow or grow stronger/healthier.
My tip for healthy nails? Add more milk to your diet. One way I did this was upping to double cream in my coffee and tea (which I drink a fair amount daily). Since I’m not a big milk drinker, it was either that or start eating blocks of cheddar cheese or bowls of ice cream each day–and that might create other issues 
. The nails love it!
Kate gave me permission to publish her question on Tipnut, thanks Kate for sending this in!
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Regarding the gelatin issue, we learned in college nutrition class that gelatin is an incomplete protein, that is lacking in all the essential amino acids needed for growth and repair of cells and tissues. Therefor, unable to ‘grow’ stronger, healthier nails. Animal protein contains all essential amino acids, therefor promoting growth and repair of tissues as well as a myriad of other functions. Hope this sheds some more light on the subject.
Unless it says “vegan” on the box, gelatin is made from crushed animal skin. We found gluten-free, vegan jello made by Natural Desserts at Whole Foods. It contains no artificial colors or flavors. Thought people might want to know.
I have had brittle nails for years. Since I reched my 50th birthday I have been taking more calcium. I now have lovely strong nails. Coincidence or not, I intend to keep taking the calcium
This tip was sent in by Carol:
Here’s another great tip for beautiful finger nails: Massage Olive Oil around the cuticle bed and over entire nail nightly …guaranteed in a short time you will see beautiful while nails and no more unsightly hangnails!!
thanks a bunch Carol!
Gelatin is actually made from the bones.
For years I have been plagued by thin, soft and peeling fingernails. Nothing I tried seemed to make much difference including gelatin. I have been taking biotin capsules for several months now and have seen a big improvement in the strength of my nails. Also in how fast they grow.
I don’t care what ’science’ says about gelatin not working for nails. The proof is in my nails. I have the worse nails in the world, and the only way I can grow them at all is when I am taking gelatin regularly. I have gone off and on it for testing and other reasons (it takes months, each time, of course, because of the slow growth of nails). Each time I have been off the gelatin my nails start to crack, break, split, and I have to keep them cut down to the skin. After a couple of months on gelatin, I once again have long healthy nails. The difference is night and day. There is no question about it!