A doctor has issued a message to anyone taking magnesium, after users noticed an unusual side effect.
Shoppers claim the popular supplement, typically used for combating poor sleep, has also helped them stop nail-biting - so if you're someone who's struggled to kick the habit then you'll want to listen up to the following expert advice.
One shopper who recently took Nutrition Geeks’ Magnesium Glycinate 3-in-1 Complex (£13.99 from Amazon) said: "I stopped biting my nails eight days ago, and the regrowth is incredible," posted alongside a snap of healthy-looking, long nails.
A woman has credited magnesium with helping her grow her nails (Amazon reviews)
Can magnesium really help with nail-biting?
While there isn't direct scientific evidence linking magnesium to reduced nail biting specifically, Dr Naomi Newman-Beinart, (PhD) chartered psychologist and nutritionist, tells Tyla that there is a 'very logical connection'.
"Nail biting is often a habit associated with stress, anxiety, or poor sleep," she explains. "Magnesium plays a vital role in supporting the nervous system and regulating neurotransmitters that promote relaxation - and many people find that topping up magnesium helps them sleep better and when you’re better rested, it can lower feelings of stress and anxiety.
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"This might make it easier to break habits such as nail biting."
Nutrition Geeks Magnesium Glycinate 3-in-1 Complex
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As well as magnesium supplements, Dr Naomi recommends using topical products such as BetterYou Magnesium Lotion (£7.95, Amazon), to help support more restful sleep.
But the mineral can help with nail growth, too: "Healthy nails require a good supply of nutrients and strong protein structure (keratin)," Dr Naomi explains.
"Magnesium plays a key role in protein synthesis and energy production, both of which are important for nail growth and repair. It also helps regulate calcium, which is another mineral essential for nail strength.
"If your body is low in magnesium, your nails may grow more slowly or become weaker over time. Adding more magnesium through your diet, for example, having dark chocolate, almonds, pumpkin seeds, or spinach, can help."
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What reviewers say about Nutrition Geeks’ magnesium supplement
The triple magnesium complex combines magnesium malate, magnesium citrate and magnesium glycinate into a single pill. One pack contains 45 servings, which works out at just 10p per vegan capsule if you purchase through Amazon's subscribe and save method.
The science-backed supplement claims to improve sleep quality, promote relaxation, and - according to one reviewer - could even help stop nail biting.
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One user said that she'd decided to take the pills to combat years of broken sleep; and that they woke up on day four ‘feeling so much better with more energy’, adding: “And as for the unexpected bonus, I stopped biting my nails 8 days ago, and the regrowth is incredible! I will take these regularly. Great job,” they added.
And they’re not the only person to claim supplements have helped to curb their onychophagia.
Replying to a Reddit thread that showed peeling skin around bitten nails, one user wrote: “I get that and it goes when I take B6 and magnesium.”
It’s important to note that all of these accounts are purely anecdotal, meaning that you should take all reviews with a pinch of salt. Always check with your pharmacist or GP before taking a new supplement.
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Why do people bite their nails?
Nail biting is a body-focused repetitive disorder (BFRD) that can cause damage to your nail bed, potentially cause injury to your teeth, and put you at a greater risk of developing infections, according to the Mayo Clinic.
People who chronically nibble on their nails (medically known as onychophagia) do it for so many reasons, including coping with anxiety and boredom, insecurity, or serving as a distraction from overwhelming thoughts and emotions.
It’s understood that 20 to 30 percent of the population engages with the habit, which is mostly prevalent in both children and adolescents, as per a study conducted by the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD).
What are the other health benefits of taking magnesium?
Magnesium supplements are often used as a natural remedy for sleep issues due to their regulation of several neurotransmitters involved in sleep, such as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), according to the National Institutes of Health.
Taking various forms of magnesium has a myriad of other health benefits, as reported by Healthline.
These include boosting exercise performance, supporting better blood sugar levels, and possibly preventing migraine attacks.
Other benefits listed by the agency are the possibility that it could improve PMS symptoms and that it boasts anti-inflammatory benefits.
The Nutrition Geeks’ magnesium capsules are usually priced at £13.99 on Amazon but you can save 29 percent if you purchase right now on a one-off basis.
Amazon Prime members can subscribe and save, bringing the price down further to £8.99 or 20p per serving.
Topics: Health, Women's Health, Sleep, Beauty, Shopping, Amazon
Ella Scott