If your nails keep splitting, you might be low on iron, biotin, collagen and vitamins A and C. These nutrients build up nail strength and keep nail growth at a normal level.
Vitamin C is essential for the production of collagen, a protein that gives shape, strength and integrity to many tissues and is the building block of fingernails, hair and teeth ( 17 ). A deficiency in vitamin C can result in brittle nails, as well as slowed nail growth ( 18 ).
Nail splitting may also be caused by nail cosmetics (hardeners, polish, polish removers/solvents), nail procedures, and occupational exposure to various chemicals (alkalis, acids, cement, solvents, thioglycolates, salt, sugar solutions). Injury (trauma) may also play a role in the development of brittle nails.
Biotin, also known as vitamin H and vitamin B7, is one of the B vitamins. Because it's water-soluble, it isn't stored by the body, so you have to ensure that you consume it daily. Biotin can help strengthen hair and nails. It also helps the body's nervous system to function properly.
What causes ridges in nails? Ridges in nails usually come from aging but can also indicate improper nail care, nail trauma, vitamin deficiency, or even a more pressing medical condition, according to 2022 research.
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.
Spoon nails (koilonychia) are soft nails that look scooped out. The depression usually is large enough to hold a drop of liquid. Often, spoon nails are a sign of iron deficiency anemia or a liver condition known as hemochromatosis, in which your body absorbs too much iron from the food you eat.
Basically brittle nails can be divided into dry and brittle (too little moisture) and soft and brittle (often too much moisture). The usual cause is repeated wetting and drying of the fingernails. This makes them dry and brittle. This is often worse in low humidity and in the winter (dry heat).
Meat and Eggs: “Because nails are made of the protein keratin, a diet that includes plenty of protein like red meat can help your nails repair, grow and maintain their strength,” Crisalli says.
Biotin may help some people with brittle nails. Studies show that taking 2.5 mg (2,500 mcg) biotin daily may improve nail firmness, hardness, and thickness. In one study, over half of the people taking biotin 2.5 mg a day had a 25% increase in thickness of their nails.
Lack of vitamin B12 leads to deformation of nails, making them rounded and curved, nails tend to become dry and unnaturally dark. Vegans and vegetarians are most at risk of becoming deficient because there are no plant foods that are rich sources.
While psoriasis and fungal infections can impact nail health, dehydration is the reason behind many cases of brittle, splitting, and fragile nails. In a healthy, hydrated person, 18 percent of the nail plate is comprised of water. When this moisture level drops, the nails become brittle.
One of the most common nutrient deficiencies to show up in nails is a zinc deficiency. More prevalent in school-age children, this deficiency can present as scattered white spots. Usually, people can take a zinc supplement for a short amount of time to clear up these white marks.
COVID nails are increasingly being recognized as the nails recover after infection and the growth recovers leaving a clear line.
When your body lacks calcium, your nails become thinner, weaker, and brittle. You may notice that they break easily and just don't look as healthy as they used to. Although nails and bones are made up of different substances, they're similar enough that poor nail health may be an early marker of bone density problems.
Biotin and other B-complex vitamins are essential for healthy nails. Vitamin C and iron are also essential for nail growth. You can get all of these nutrients from a healthy diet or take a daily multivitamin supplement.
If your nails turn yellow, thicken, and seem to stop growing, it could be a sign of something going on inside your body. Lung disease and rheumatoid arthritis can cause yellow nails. You may also have a serious nail infection, which requires treatment.
Brittle, peeling nails also are a common side effect of stress. “Sometimes patients with nail problems are not aware that their habits or tics from being stressed out or nervous are at the root of their problem,” said Dr. Mayoral.
The low-down: If you break a nail, apply a base coat across the break, then soak up any excess with a small square of dry teabag. It will fuse the nail together. Then apply colour and finish with a strengthening top coat.
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.
Vitamin D acts as an antioxidant and a deficiency may lead to the formation of fine lines. Vitamin deficiency also causes brittle nails.
Sources of Biotin
Foods that contain the most biotin include organ meats, eggs, fish, meat, seeds, nuts, and certain vegetables (such as sweet potatoes) [2,12].
Most vitamin deficiencies are due to either inadequate dietary intake or malabsorption. Vitamin D, which can be obtained through sun exposure, is one of the few exceptions. Lack of these nutrients may affect the nail, the nail bed, or both and may present on physical exam or with biopsy.