Splitting nails can signal deficiencies in nutrients like biotin, iron, zinc, protein, calcium, and B vitamins, but also stem from external damage (water/chemicals) or skin conditions like eczema/psoriasis; addressing it involves a balanced diet rich in these nutrients, keeping nails moisturized, and limiting water exposure, though consulting a doctor is best to rule out underlying issues or confirm deficiencies before supplementing.
A magnesium deficiency can result in weak, flaky nails that are prone to breakage.
Brittle fingernails might result from frequent exposure to water, harsh soaps, or chemicals. Parents can prevent this by applying hand cream and limiting children's exposure to water and soap during play.
Nail splitting, or onychoschizia, occurs due to several reasons. The most common factors can be classified into category-based causes. These categories include factors related to moisture, behaviour, injury, infection, and age. They also include underlying medical issues and nutrient deficits.
Medium to dark vertical lines on your nails could indicate a Vitamin D and B12 deficiency. Short white lines or spots might point to zinc deficiency. Brittle nails that easily break could mean you're low in calcium and biotin.
Iron deficiency causes nails to be spoon-shaped. Iron deficiency anemia (lack of adequate healthy red blood cells) can cause pale nails. Selenium also plays a role in keeping our hair and nails healthy and its deficiency can cause brittle nails.
Here are 10 unexpected signs of a vitamin D deficiency that may surprise you.
Lack of iron, B vitamins like biotin or B12, zinc, protein, or magnesium in your diet may contribute to brittle nails. Healthy, well-rounded meals will strengthen your nails. If you still have a nutritional deficiency, your doctor may recommend dietary supplements.
Tips For Preventing Future Nail Splits
Moisturize consistently: Dry nails become brittle nails. Use a hydrating hand cream and follow with Nourishing Cuticle Oil to keep nail beds healthy and flexible.
Autoimmune diseases can affect your nails in various ways. If you have alopecia or Hashimoto's disease, your nails can become shaped like a spoon in a concave position. Alopecia can also cause your nails to become weak and crumbly. With Hashiomoto's, your nails may start splitting easily.
Kidney disease can cause a build-up of nitrogen waste products in the blood, which can damage nails. Liver disease can damage nails. Thyroid diseases such as hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism may cause brittle nails or splitting of the nail bed from the nail plate (onycholysis).
Witkop syndrome, also known as tooth and nail syndrome (TNS), is a rare autosomal dominant disorder. Affected individuals have nail dysplasia and several congenitally missing teeth.
Check all of your nails regularly for:
Those little white spots on your fingernails can have several causes, one of which is a sign of zinc deficiency. If you also have any other low-zinc signs such as frequent infections, irritability, slow healing, hair loss, or skin rashes, then it may be time to considering supplementing your zinc.
What are the symptoms of iron-deficiency anemia?
Ask your healthcare professional about biotin.
Some research suggests that the nutritional supplement biotin might help strengthen weak or brittle nails.
If you have a bigger split, you can apply nail glue or clear nail lacquer to hold the keratin together until your nail grows out. Then you can trim or file off the split. If all your nails are splitting or you notice that your nails are brittle or fragile, that's a good reason to see your primary care provider.
Let it sit overnight, then rinse away in the morning for a noticeable difference. 2) Brittle fingernails. Since our nails are made of the same enamel as teeth, toothpaste can do a lot to help them. Simply give your nails a good scrub with some toothpaste for cleaner, shinier, stronger nails.
Age causes nails to become dry, ridged and split over time. Thyroid problems commonly affect nails. Skin conditions such as psoriasis, lichen planus, atopic eczema and alopecia aerate can cause nail fragility including splitting. Rheumatoid arthritis will cause nails to thin and split.
Symptoms of vitamin B12 or folate deficiency
Split nails can result from physical trauma, an infection, or a condition such as psoriasis. Tips to fix a split nail include using adhesive, applying a gel and silk wrap, and treating an underlying cause. In some cases, a person can take preventive measures to avoid splitting their nails.
Patients with reduced plasma magnesium levels can develop soft, flaky nails that are inclined to break or split.
Symptoms when vitamin D is low
Fatigue. Not sleeping well. Bone pain or achiness. Depression or feelings of sadness.
To quickly increase Vitamin D, combine safe sunlight exposure (10-20 mins daily without sunscreen for lighter skin), taking high-dose Vitamin D3 supplements (consult a doctor first), and eating foods like fatty fish (salmon, tuna), egg yolks, fortified milk/cereals, and sun-exposed mushrooms, ensuring you take supplements with a fat source for better absorption.
Taking too much vitamin D leads to calcium buildup (hypercalcemia), causing physical signs like nausea/vomiting, fatigue/weakness, frequent urination & excessive thirst, constipation, and confusion/disorientation, alongside potential bone pain or kidney stones, often from supplements, not sun exposure.