Why People Put Nails in Apples – Does It Really Work and Is It Safe?

  • Provides a small amount of iron

  • Natural and inexpensive

Risks:

  • Contamination: Modern nails may be coated with zinc, galvanized metal, or stainless steel, which can be toxic

  • Rust: Rusty nails can harbor bacteria and harmful substances

  • Uncontrolled dosage: You cannot measure the exact amount of iron absorbed

Safe Guidelines If You Want to Try It:

  1. Use pure iron nails only (avoid coated or galvanized nails).

  2. Clean nails thoroughly by boiling in water for 10–15 minutes.

  3. Insert 2–3 nails into a fresh apple, ensuring they are fully embedded.

  4. Leave for 6–12 hours to allow some iron to dissolve.

  5. Remove the nails and eat the apple. Do not eat or reuse the nails.

Better Alternatives for Iron Intake: