If your nails keep splitting, you could 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.
Biotin (vitamin B7) deficiency can lead to brittle nails and there is some research that has shown an improvement in nail hardness with biotin supplementation, hence its use in hair, skin and nails vitamins. But a biotin deficiency is rare since most people meet their needs with a varied diet.
B12 is also essential for keeping nails strong and healthy. B12 specificially enables iron to be absorbed by the body, ensuring the formation of enough red blood cells. Low iron levels or anaemia can directly affect nail health – in fact it's a classic symptom – making them white, thin and prone to breakage.
2 Nail changes in vitamin B12 deficiency present as hyperpigmentation of nails like bluish discoloration of nails, blue-black pigmentation with dark longitudinal streaks, and longitudinal and reticulate darkened streaks. The nail pigmentation associated with B12 deficiency is more frequent in patients with dark skin.
Iron improves nail health and prevents ridges along the nails. Include dark green leafy vegetables, beef, chicken, eggs, veggies, peanuts, beans, fruits in your diet to combat iron deficiency. Magnesium helps prevent ridges in the nails and with protein synthesis and new nail formation.
In many cases, vitamins do help, but it's important to be clear that supplements aren't always a miracle cure. If your brittle nails are caused by something other than a vitamin deficiency, you're unlikely to notice any change.
Some of the things that can cause nail ridges are infections, malnutrition, and other medical problems. So talk to your doctor to find the cause. He or she will ask you questions, examine you, and may order tests to see what is behind the problem.
Most vitamins and supplements containing biotin, fish oil or vitamins A, C and E can help stimulate hair and nail growth. You can typically find specialized vitamins that have high concentrations of the vitamins and minerals below. Here are a few vitamins and minerals to keep in mind and how they function: Biotin.
Some fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and whole grains contain biotin. Eggs and some organ meats are good sources of biotin; many nuts, seeds, seafood, and lean meats contain biotin.
Koilonychia is indented nails. Instead of growing straight, your nails look concave, like spoons. In many people, koilonychia is a sign of iron deficiency. Usually, you can get rid of spoon nails by treating the underlying cause.
Because of its involvement in protein synthesis, a process essential to nail growth, it's no surprise that magnesium helps create beautiful and strong nail plates. Sufficient mineral, vitamin, and nutrient intake is necessary to support the nail beds in growing nail tissue.
Almonds. Almonds should be your go to snack if you have vertical ridges in your nails. These ridges are a surefire sign of magnesium deficiency and almonds just happen to be super high in magnesium. They're also a great source of protein, which helps maintain healthy nails, and vitamin e, which prevents nail splitting.
Common causes of nail problems include injury, infection and skin diseases such as eczema and psoriasis. Some conditions need professional treatment from a doctor or a dermatologist. People with diabetes or compromised immune systems have a higher risk of fungal nail infections.
As far as a rough timeline goes, it could take anywhere from 6-12 months for regular biotin supplementation to support nail growth**, says Correa. It's also important to know that nails naturally regenerate every 4-6 months, says Elle. To see results, you'll need to take biotin regularly.
Our nails naturally develop slight vertical ridges as we age. However, severe and raised ridges can be a sign of iron deficiency anemia. Nutritional deficiencies, such as a lack of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin B12 or keratin can result in fingernail ridges. Hormonal changes can also cause ridges to appear.
1. Moisturize your nails regularly. “Keeping your nails hydrated with a hand cream or oil can minimize the appearance of ridging and protect the keratin of the nail,” says Donna Hart, M.D., board-certified dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology in Texas.
Melanonychia can be caused by inflammatory skin diseases that affect your nails. It can also be caused by inflammation due to friction from shoes and biting your nails. Poor nutrition. Malnutrition can cause melanonychia, especially a lack of protein, vitamin D, or vitamin B12.