Hair Skin & Nails
21st Century
Hair Skin & Nails
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(13228 ratings)
Vitamin B5 15 mg
Riboflavin 5 mg
Iodine 150 mcg
Iron 3.3 mg
Phosphorus 58 mg
Soy Protein 50 mg
Choline 25 mg
Score 45.0
A budget-friendly multivitamin offering a broad range of basic nutrients, but with significantly underdosed key ingredients like Biotin, Zinc, and Vitamin D3, making it less effective for its specific "Hair Skin & Nails" claims and many other targeted health goals compared to more potent alternatives.
Quantity: 50 Tablet(s)Servings size: 1 Tablet(s) (50 servings)
Selected goals:
Other goals:
Digestive Health
Muscle Gain
Anti-Aging
Brain Health
Mood Support
leaderboard Score 45.0
A budget-friendly multivitamin offering a broad range of basic nutrients, but with significantly underdosed key ingredients like Biotin, Zinc, and Vitamin D3, making it less effective for its specific "Hair Skin & Nails" claims and many other targeted health goals compared to more potent alternatives.
insights Analysis
This 21st Century Hair Skin & Nails product positions itself as a comprehensive supplement for beauty and general wellness, evidenced by its extensive list of goals. While it includes a broad spectrum of vitamins (A, C, D3, E, and a range of B vitamins) and minerals (Calcium, Phosphorus, Iron, Iodine, Magnesium, Zinc, Manganese, Potassium), along with other compounds like Choline, Inositol, PABA, Tyrosine, Cysteine, and Soy Protein, its primary weakness lies in the often-suboptimal dosages of these ingredients relative to its ambitious claims and compared to specialized supplements. For example, the Biotin content is a mere 25mcg, significantly lower than the 1000-5000mcg typically found in effective hair and nail formulas, and the Vitamin D3 (1.2mcg) and Zinc (0.6mg) are notably underdosed for their respective benefits. The inclusion of a proprietary herbal blend also obscures the potency of those components. Consequently, while providing a basic, affordable nutritional foundation, its ability to deliver significant, targeted results for many of its listed goals, particularly skin, hair, and nail health, is questionable.
- Very affordable price per serving, offering a broad spectrum of nutrients at a low cost.
- Contains a wide range of essential vitamins and minerals for general nutritional support.
- Iodine dosage (150mcg) is sufficient for supporting healthy thyroid function.
- Critically underdosed in key ingredients for its namesake "Hair Skin & Nails" goal, such as Biotin (25mcg) and Cysteine (3.5mg), rendering it largely ineffective for significant beauty benefits.
- Many other vitamins and minerals are present in low or suboptimal dosages (e.g., Vitamin D3, Zinc, Iron, Tyrosine, Choline, Inositol) for achieving their stated health goals.
- The use of a "Proprietary Herbal Support Blend" lacks transparency regarding the specific amounts of its active components.
- Some minerals are provided in less bioavailable forms (e.g., Magnesium Oxide, Zinc Glucon).
- Individuals specifically seeking improvements in hair, skin, or nail health should consider alternatives with higher, more effective dosages of key ingredients.
- The very low Vitamin D3 and Zinc content means it will not adequately address deficiencies or provide significant immune/bone health benefits without additional supplementation.
- Contains Soy Protein, which may be an allergen for some individuals.
- The low iron content (3.3mg) is unlikely to meet the daily requirements for many adults, especially women.
$7.49($0.14 per serving)
 iHerb | $ 7.49 | |
 Pure Formulas | $ 7.94 |
bolt Effectiveness for goals
Biotin is a B vitamin often associated with the health of hair, skin, and nails. It plays a role in the metabolism of fatty acids, carbohydrates, and amino acids. While some studies suggest benefits for brittle nails and hair growth in deficient individuals, its effectiveness for those with adequate biotin levels may vary.
Vitamins A, C, and E are antioxidants that protect skin cells from damage caused by free radicals. Vitamin A supports cell turnover and skin repair, while Vitamin C is essential for collagen production, which maintains skin elasticity. Vitamin E helps protect cell membranes and reduce UV damage.
Zinc is an essential mineral involved in numerous bodily functions, including cell growth, immune function, and protein synthesis. It plays a significant role in hair tissue growth and repair, and its antioxidant properties help protect skin from damage. Zinc deficiency can sometimes lead to hair loss and skin issues.
Cysteine is an amino acid that is a primary component of keratin, the protein that makes up hair, skin, and nails. Supplementing with cysteine can potentially support the structural integrity and growth of these tissues. It is often included in formulations aimed at strengthening hair and nails.
B vitamins, including thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, B6, folate, B12, and pantothenic acid, are crucial for energy production and cell metabolism. They play diverse roles in nerve function, red blood cell formation, and maintaining healthy skin, hair, and eyes. These vitamins often work synergistically to support various physiological processes.
schedule Dosage, timing & forms
Many general multi-nutrient supplements are recommended to be taken with a meal to enhance absorption and reduce potential stomach upset. Taking them with breakfast or lunch is a common practice. Consistency in timing daily can also be beneficial.
Yes, fat-soluble vitamins, including Vitamin A (Palmitate), Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol), and Vitamin E (DL-Alpha-Tocopheryl Acetate), are best absorbed when taken with a meal that contains some dietary fat. This helps their uptake into the body.
High doses of calcium can sometimes interfere with iron absorption, though the amounts in typical multi-supplements are usually not significant enough to be a major concern for most healthy individuals. Taking iron with Vitamin C, also present in this supplement, can enhance its absorption.
Visible effects from biotin supplementation, such as improvements in nail strength or hair growth, often require consistent use over several weeks to months. Individual results can vary based on dietary status and overall health.
B vitamins play a crucial role in cellular energy metabolism, helping the body convert food into energy. While they don't provide an immediate "boost" like stimulants, consistent intake supports overall energy production and can help prevent fatigue related to deficiencies.
health_and_safety Safety & interactions
Ingredients such as iodine and tyrosine play roles in thyroid hormone synthesis. Individuals taking thyroid medications should consult a healthcare professional before using supplements containing these compounds, as they could potentially influence thyroid function or medication effectiveness.
High doses of calcium can sometimes inhibit iron absorption, and vice versa. Similarly, zinc and iron can compete for absorption if taken in very large quantities simultaneously. However, the amounts in a typical multivitamin formulation are generally balanced to minimize significant competitive inhibition for most individuals.
Yes, high doses of biotin can interfere with certain lab tests, particularly immunoassays for thyroid hormones and cardiac biomarkers. It's important to inform your healthcare provider about any biotin supplementation before undergoing blood tests to ensure accurate results.
PABA may interact with certain medications, specifically sulfa-containing drugs, such as some antibiotics or sulfonamide diuretics. It can potentially reduce the effectiveness of these medications. Individuals taking sulfa drugs should consult their doctor before using supplements containing PABA.
Some ingredients, such as certain forms of Vitamin E, can potentially affect blood clotting, especially at higher doses. Individuals taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications should discuss any supplement use with a healthcare provider to assess potential interactions and ensure safety.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Vitamin A (Vitamin A Palmitate) | 750 mcg RAE |
| Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) | 50 mg |
| Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) | 1.2 mcg |
| Vitamin E (DL-Alpha-Tocopheryl Acetate) | 25 mg |
| Thiamine (Vitamin B1, Thiamine Mononitrate) | 5 mg |
| Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) | 5 mg |
| Niacin | 7.5 mg |
| Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine Hydrochloride) | 6.5 mg |
| Folate | 42 mcg DFE |
| Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin) | 25 mcg |
| Biotin | 25 mcg |
| Pantothenic Acid (D-Calcium Pantothenate) | 15 mg |
| Choline (Choline Bitartrate) | 25 mg |
| Calcium (Dicalcium Phosphate, Calcium Carbonate) | 125 mg |
| Iron (Ferrous Fumarate) | 3.3 mg |
| Phosphorus (Dicalcium Phosphate) | 58 mg |
| Iodine (Potassium Iodide) | 150 mcg |
| Magnesium (Magnesium Oxide) | 20 mg |
| Zinc (Zinc Gluconate) | 0.6 mg |
| Manganese (Manganese Sulfate) | 0.6 mg |
| Potassium (Potassium Sulfate, Potassium Iodide) | 5 mg |
| Betaine HCl | 10 mg |
| Inositol | 10 mg |
| PABA | 10 mg |
| DNA | 10 mg |
| RNA | 10 mg |
| Tyrosine | 7.2 mg |
| Cysteine Hydrochloride | 3.5 mg |
| Soy Protein | 50 mg |
| Proprietary Herbal Support Blend | 310 mg |
Categories
Iodine 85.0
The product supplies 150mcg of Iodine from Potassium Iodide, which perfectly meets the full adult Recommended Daily Intake. This is an excellent and effective dose for supporting healthy thyroid hormone production and metabolic function.
Thiamin 65.0
The product provides a total of 10mg of Thiamin (Vitamin B1), which is well above the RDI and a decent amount for metabolic support and nervous system health. While effective, it does not reach the higher potencies found in dedicated high-dose B-complex supplements.
Riboflavin 60.0
With 5mg of Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), the product offers a good amount that surpasses the RDI, contributing effectively to energy metabolism and antioxidant protection. However, it's not at the very high levels seen in some specialized B-complex formulations.
Goals
General Health 70.0
This product's primary strength lies in its ability to offer a broad spectrum of essential vitamins and minerals at a very accessible price. It provides a foundational level of micronutrient intake for overall well-being, covering many basic daily requirements, making it a good entry-level general multivitamin.
Metabolism Boost 60.0
The inclusion of various B vitamins, which are crucial for numerous metabolic pathways, alongside a sufficient amount of Iodine, essential for thyroid hormone production (a key regulator of metabolism), offers a decent foundation. While B vitamin doses are moderate, the iodine content is well-dosed to support metabolic functions.
Energy 55.0
This product contains a range of B vitamins (Thiamine, Riboflavin, Niacin, B6, Pantothenic Acid, B12) and Iron, which are essential cofactors for cellular energy production and metabolism. However, the B vitamin dosages are moderate, not high potency for a significant 'boost,' and the iron content is on the lower side for comprehensive energy support.