Dear Readers: This is in response to a recent letter from a reader in my column about weak nails and using white iodine to help strengthen them. I have received a ton of e-mails, letters and faxes … ...

Yes, yodo blanco, or decolorized iodine, can be found in many Hispanic stores or on the isle where they carry Hispanic food and health products. You also can find it on the Internet.

Decolorized iodine is not something that most pharmacies keep on hand, or they might have only one or two bottles, because it is not something that is asked for often.

A: Decolorized, white, colorless and clear iodine are all the same product. When my advice first appeared, the product was hard to find, but over time, the requests for where it could be purchased ...

Monica, I have long touted decolorized (also known as colorless or white) iodine to strengthen weak and brittle nails. Use every day for one week, and then once a week for maintenance.

If you want to try aloe vera juice, purchase it at a health food store and check the label to ensure it has been purified and decolorized. When trying aloe vera juice, start slow.