Weak nails are most likely associated with a deficiency in B vitamins, calcium, iron, or fatty acids. Norris explains that it's best not to take iron as a supplement unless you know you're deficient. Instead, start taking a multivitamin that includes calcium and B vitamins.
The signs and symptoms of biotin deficiency typically appear gradually and can include thinning hair with progression to loss of all hair on the body; scaly, red rash around body openings (eyes, nose, mouth, and perineum); conjunctivitis; ketolactic acidosis (which occurs when lactate production exceeds lactate
While the recommended daily amount of vitamin B-12 for adults is 2.4 micrograms, higher doses have been found to be safe. Your body absorbs only as much as it needs, and any excess passes through your urine. High doses of vitamin B-12, such as those used to treat a deficiency, might cause: Headache.
Anemia is a condition where your body lacks enough hemoglobin, a protein that carries oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body. While fatigue is the leading sign of anemia, this condition can also show itself through brittle or spoon-shaped nails — called koilonychia.
To increase the amount of vitamin B12 in your diet, eat more of foods that contain it, such as:
- Beef, liver, and chicken.
- Fish and shellfish such as trout, salmon, tuna fish, and clams.
- Fortified breakfast cereal.
- Low-fat milk, yogurt, and cheese.
- Eggs.
Both iron and B12 are necessary for keeping nails strong and healthy. A deficiency in vitamin B12 can result in entirely blue nails, bluish-black pigments with wavy longitudinal dark streaks and brownish pigmentation ( 5 , 6 ).
Dry and brittle nails are the result of too little moisture. They're most commonly caused by the repeated washing and drying of fingernails. On the other hand, soft and brittle nails are caused by too much moisture, often a result of overexposure to detergents, household cleaners, and nail polish remover.
A much less common symptom of iron deficiency is brittle or spoon-shaped fingernails. This condition is called koilonychia ( 22 ). Usually, the first sign is brittle nails that chip and crack easily.
Is it possible to prevent split fingernails?
- Keep your fingernails dry. Repeated or prolonged contact with water can contribute to split fingernails.
- Practice good nail hygiene. Keep your fingernails neatly trimmed, and round the tips in a gentle curve.
- Avoid harsh nail care products.
- Apply a protective layer.
Biotin is found in many foods and beverages, including milk, carrots, salmon, and nuts. It can also be taken as a supplement if needed. The recommended daily amount is 30 micrograms. However, taking biotin supplements is not recommended unless suggested by your doctor.
Usually, they are normal. The bonds between keratin filaments within nails weaken as we age, he said. Women have weaker bonds than men to begin with. The changes make nails dryer and more brittle.
People with hypothyroidism may also develop dry, brittle, and coarse hair or dull, thin nails that break easily. These symptoms usually clear up once people begin thyroid hormone therapy.
Biotin Supplements Are Linked to Long, Stronger Nails: TRUEBut several studies show that biotin can strengthen brittle nails, making them less likely to split or break, so you may be able to grow your nails longer after taking the supplement regularly.
According to Healthline, yellow or brittle fingernails or toenails can also be a sign of diabetes. That's because diabetes makes you predisposed to a fungal infection called onychomycosis. "In some people with diabetes, the nails take on a yellowish hue," the health resource explains.
Brittle nails occur for a variety of reasons. They may be a normal sign of aging or the result of polishing your nails too frequently. When the weather is cold, brittle nails may result from dryness. Weak nails also can be signs of a health issue, such as hypothyroidism or anemia.
Anemia. A condition in which the red blood cells decrease usually due to deficiency of iron, vitamin B12 or folic acid is called anemia. Iron deficiency alone may be responsible for triggering skin problems. Associated effects can include brittle and fragile nails which may develop vertical ridges or lines.
