Abstract

“New improved formula” Pronel (Leiner & Sons) which contains gelatine and “valuable multivitamins and minerals” is promoted as “the proved remedy for broken fingernails”, but it has not yet been shown that the eating of gelatine affords more than psychological benefit. Although presumably “nails need nourishing from within - with the right proteins and minerals” it is not known what these are. As a nutrient, gelatine is not a high-quality protein, being low or lacking in essential aminoacids, and containing little sulphur (the content of which is high in nails). The several favourable studies of the effects of gelatine on nails, dating from 1950, were poorly controlled and do not provide acceptable evidence of benefit.