Collagen for Nails

Why Brittle Nails Appear with Age and Menopause

Brittle nails rarely show up on their own. Aging slows the production of the proteins that give the nail its structure. Menopause accentuates the effect: hormonal changes weaken skin, hair and nails all at once.

Other causes can hide behind a fragile nail. A deficiency in iron, zinc or vitamin B9 changes the quality of the nail plate (the hard body of the nail). Everyday chemicals are unforgiving too: household detergents, harsh polish removers, low-quality nail polish, gel manicures and repeated small injuries to the nail. A ferritin test can explore the possibility of iron deficiency. A thyroid check can rule out hypothyroidism. Before thinking about collagen, start by looking at your diet, any possible deficiencies, and your manicure habits.

Keratin, the Fibrous Protein That Forms the Nail Plate

Keratin makes up 80 to 90% of the nail plate. This fibrous protein gives the nail its strength and hardness. Collagen, the body's main structural protein, is not found in the part you file.

So why talk about collagen when it comes to nails? Because the nail grows from living tissue located beneath and around the nail plate, and that tissue is rich in collagen. When its quality declines, nail structure can weaken: nails become soft and ridged, and more prone to breaking and peeling.

The Nail Matrix, Connective Tissue and Collagen Loss

The nail matrix produces the cells that gradually form your nail. It is surrounded by connective tissue in which collagen is one of the main structural components. Collagen supports the elasticity and firmness of this tissue, including the nail bed that anchors the nail plate.

The body loses about 1% of its collagen production capacity each year from the age of 25. This decline speeds up between 40 and 50.

With age, the tissue that surrounds and supports the nail changes too. Less collagen in this tissue can contribute to changes in its structure and quality. Vertical ridges on the nails can reflect these changes. Nails start breaking sooner and peeling more easily.

The Benefits of Collagen for Nails

Hydrolyzed marine collagen supplies the amino acids your body uses to build its own structural proteins. Unlike a topical treatment (applied directly to the nail), collagen you consume works from the inside. It is first digested into peptides and amino acids, which the body then puts to use.

Some studies have observed:

• slightly faster nail growth
• less brittleness and fewer cracks
• a smoother, more even-looking nail plate
• better hydration of the tissue around the nail
• a little more shine

These are trends seen in certain studies, over several months. They vary from one person to the next.

The Main Amino Acids in Hydrolyzed Collagen: Glycine, Proline and Hydroxyproline

Once consumed, hydrolyzed collagen is digested and absorbed by the body, which "cuts" it into free amino acids, including glycine, proline and hydroxyproline.

Hydrolysis breaks collagen down into smaller peptides, which makes them easier to digest and absorb. Once absorbed, these amino acids can be used by the body to build various proteins, keratin included. To learn more, read our article on the benefits of marine collagen, where we answer nine frequently asked questions.

What the 24-Week Hexsel Study Shows

The study published by Hexsel and her team in 2017 in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology followed 25 women with brittle nail syndrome. Participants in this clinical study took 2.5 g of collagen peptides per day for 24 weeks.

After 24 weeks, the researchers observed an increase of about 12% in nail growth rate and a 42% decrease in the frequency of broken nails. In addition, 64% of participants reported an overall improvement in the condition of their nails. These results are encouraging, but they should be read with caution: the study included only 25 participants and had neither a control group nor a placebo. A 2025 meta-analysis in The American Journal of Medicine notes that the clinical evidence remains limited and that more studies are needed to confirm these results.

Discover Marine Collagen PURE for Stronger Nails

An unflavoured powder that fits easily into your routine. Simply add our Marine Collagen PURE to your morning coffee without changing its taste.

Vitamin C and Biotin: Collagen's Allies for Your Nails

Collagen doesn't work alone to take care of your nails. It supplies amino acids, with help from two vitamins: biotin, which helps maintain healthy nails, and vitamin C, which contributes to normal collagen formation.

Their roles are different but complementary, which is why you often find them together in the same routine.

Zinc, Iron and B Vitamins: The Trio Behind Soft, Ridged Nails

Nail health also depends on getting enough of certain nutrients. Iron, zinc and some B vitamins play a part in several processes the body needs to renew and maintain its tissues. When intake falls short, nail quality can sometimes suffer.

Still, nails that quickly become more brittle, soft or ridged deserve a closer look at the cause. Before taking a supplement, talk to a healthcare professional, who can determine whether a deficiency or another factor might be behind the problem.

Vitamin C and Calcium in Collagen Synthesis

Vitamin C plays an important role in the body, since it contributes to normal collagen formation. It also has an antioxidant action that helps protect cells against oxidative stress.

Calcium, for its part, supports the health of bones and tissues.

The Beauty Trio brings together Marine Collagen PURE, vitamin C and biotin. It's our best seller, and that's no accident. One single habit, three nutrients that team up and complement each other.

Choosing a Type I Collagen Made in Québec

Type I collagen is the most abundant type of collagen in the body. It is found in the skin, the tendons and many connective tissues. It is also present in the tissue that surrounds and supports the nail.

Our formulas contain Type I marine collagen from the skin and scales of wild-caught cod. It is hydrolyzed in Québec.

Marine or Bovine Collagen: Which Collagen Is Best for Nails?

Marine collagen and bovine collagen have a lot in common: both provide collagen peptides and amino acids. The main difference lies in their source and in the types of collagen they contain. Marine collagen is mostly Type I, while bovine collagen generally contains Types I and III. Our marine vs bovine collagen comparison walks you through both options.

Marine collagen peptides have been studied for their effects on fragile, brittle nails. It's the best-documented option.

At MCS, we chose hydrolyzed marine collagen, which you'll find in PURE as well as in ÉNERGIE. Two different ways to add it to your routine, depending on your preferences. PURE is unflavoured, while ÉNERGIE offers the same marine collagen with a berry flavour.

Lysine and the Bioavailability of Collagen Peptides

Marine Collagen PURE is a source of lysine, an essential amino acid the body must get from food. Lysine helps the body form collagen.

Hydrolysis breaks collagen down into smaller peptides, which makes them easier for the body to digest and absorb. As a powder, hydrolyzed collagen is also easy to add to your day, since it mixes into hot or cold drinks.

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Adding 10 g of Collagen to Your Daily Routine

The dose matters as much as the product. Some nail studies have looked at collagen doses ranging from 2.5 to 10 g per day.

One serving of PURE or ÉNERGIE provides 10 g of hydrolyzed marine collagen. You can take your serving all at once or spread it out over the day.

For example, PURE can be added to your coffee, tea or smoothie. Just choose the way that fits your routine best. A supplement only becomes useful once it becomes a habit.

What Health Canada Recommends About Duration of Use

For the benefits of collagen on joints, Health Canada recommends using it for at least five months. That doesn't mean, however, that every effect of collagen takes five months to appear.

Nails grow slowly, and fully renewing a nail takes several months (6 months for a fingernail, up to a year for a toenail). It's best to assess changes over time rather than after just a few weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions About Collagen Supplements

What Should I Take for Brittle Nails Besides Collagen?

A balanced diet with enough protein is a good foundation for nail health. Certain nutrients, including biotin, vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc and iron, also play different roles in maintaining tissues and in the normal functioning of the body.

The MCS Beauty Trio combines marine collagen, vitamin C and biotin in a simple routine that's easy to keep every day.

Can You Take Collagen and Biotin Together?

Yes. They work in complementary ways, and side effects reported for this combination remain rare. Many members of our community take their collagen in the morning and their biotin capsule with a meal. Ask your pharmacist for advice if you're already on medication, pregnant or breastfeeding.

How Long Does It Take for Collagen to Work on Weak Nail Growth?

Changes in your nails happen gradually. Since fingernails grow by about 3 mm per month on average, it can take several months to see a change across the whole nail. Consistency is key when you add collagen to your routine.

Is There Plant-Based Collagen for Nails?

Not really. Collagen is, by nature, an animal protein. What's sold as "plant-based collagen" is a blend of amino acids and vitamins meant to support the body's own collagen production. Applied topically, no collagen molecule passes through keratin. It's a different approach, not an equivalent.

Beauty from Within: Strengthening Your Nails Every Day

Nails, hair and skin each have their own characteristics, but their health depends, among other things, on getting enough protein and nutrients. Hydrolyzed collagen can therefore fit into an overall routine for skin, hair and nails.

Want to learn more? Take a look at our pages on collagen for skin and collagen for hair.

Taking care of yourself today means giving yourself what you need to feel good tomorrow.

A Marine Collagen Carefully Selected by Marie-Claude Savard

Marie-Claude Savard pays close attention to choosing the ingredients in MCS formulas. Our marine collagen comes from wild-caught cod and is hydrolyzed in Québec.

A single collagen routine can be part of a broader approach, since skin, hair and nails share some of the same nutritional needs. Strong nails, supple cuticles and shinier hair all belong to the same wellness journey. That's the spirit behind MCS products: simple formulas that fit into your day, based on your needs and preferences.

One habit at a time. Small steps make all the difference.

Explore Our Collagen for Strong, Healthy Nails

Strong nails start with a simple routine. Browse our marine collagen formulas and choose the one that fits best into your day.