The Real Cause of Brittle Nails: Brittle Nails Vitamin Deficiency

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Brittle Nails Vitamin Deficiency

Do you have brittle nails that break easily?

You may be suffering from a vitamin deficiency. Brittle nails can be caused by several different factors, but one of the most common is an inadequate intake of essential vitamins and minerals required for healthy nail growth.

Without sufficient amounts of these nutrients, your nails will not only become weak and brittle but also more prone to splitting and breaking.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss which vitamins are important for strong nail growth and how to ensure you’re getting enough in your diet.

We’ll also look at some other causes of brittle nails so that you can determine what steps need to be taken to improve the health and appearance of your nails.

Causes and Signs of Vitamin Deficiency in Fingernails

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Vitamin deficiencies can cause changes in the appearance of fingernails, including:

  • Brittle, dry nails: Biotin, also known as vitamin H, is important for the health of hair, skin, and nails. A deficiency in biotin can cause nails to become brittle and dry, leading to a higher risk of breaking and splitting.
  • Spoon-shaped nails: Iron deficiency anemia can cause the nails to become spoon-shaped, or concave and scooped out. This is because the body needs iron to produce enough red blood cells to transport oxygen to the nails, and a lack of oxygen can cause the nails to become malformed.
  • White spots or lines on the nails: Zinc is important for the growth and repair of nails, and a deficiency in zinc can cause white spots or lines to appear on the nails.
  • Pale or white nails: Iron is important for the production of hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to the body’s tissues, including the nails. A deficiency in iron can cause the nails to appear pale or white, as they are not receiving enough oxygen.
  • Slow growth and rough texture: Vitamin A and Vitamin B12 are important for the growth and health of nails. A deficiency in either of these vitamins can cause nails to grow slowly and develop a rough texture.

It is important to note that these symptoms can be caused by other factors as well and should not be used to self-diagnose a deficiency without consulting a healthcare professional.

Signs of a Vitamin or Mineral Deficiency in Your Nails

Signs of a vitamin or mineral deficiency in your nails can manifest in different ways. For example, you may notice that the nails are brittle and break easily, or that they are slow growing and have a rough texture.

You may also find that they have become spoon-shaped, or concave and scooped out – this can be an indication of iron deficiency anemia. White spots or lines on the nails can be a sign of zinc deficiency while pale or white nails may mean there is a lack of iron in the body.

Biotin (vitamin H) is essential for healthy nail growth and a deficiency in biotin can cause the nails to become weak and brittle, leading to easy breakage.

Vitamin A and B12 help with nail growth and maintaining their health; if there is not enough of either vitamin present in the body then it is likely that there will be signs visible on the fingernails such as slow growth, thinness or rough texture.

It’s important to remember that these symptoms could be caused by other factors too so it’s essential to speak to a healthcare professional if any of these signs are observed so proper diagnosis and treatment can be given if necessary.

Maintaining good levels of vitamins and minerals in your body is important for many reasons including healthy nail growth so nutrition should be considered as part of your overall health plan.

Eating a balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, whole grains and low-fat dairy products is important for overall health but also for providing key nutrients necessary for nail growth such as Vitamin A from leafy greens like spinach and kale, Vitamin B12 from fortified cereals or eggs, Biotin from dairy products like yogurt and cheese, Iron from cooked oysters or beef liver, and Zinc from whole grain breads or nuts.

Taking a daily multivitamin supplement can help ensure you’re getting all necessary vitamins and minerals needed for strong nail growth.

Deficiencies and their connection

Iron deficiency is a condition where the body does not have enough iron to keep up with its needs. It is one of the most common nutrient deficiencies in the world, affecting millions of people across all age groups. While it’s usually caused by an inadequate intake of diet or loss of blood, other conditions such as chronic diseases and certain medical treatments can also cause iron deficiency.

Symptoms of iron deficiency vary depending on the severity, but they may include fatigue, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, pale skin, brittle nails and spoon-shaped nails (concave and scooped out). Iron deficiency anemia is a more severe form that can lead to shortness of breath and chest pain.

Diagnosis for iron deficiency begins with a physical examination followed by laboratory tests including total serum iron levels and hemoglobin levels. Treatment typically includes both dietary changes (including consuming more foods rich in iron) as well as taking supplements to replenish depleted stores in the body.

Foods high in iron include red meat such as beef or pork, dark poultry meat (e.g., turkey thigh), canned tuna or salmon, legumes like black beans or lentils, quinoa, fortified breakfast cereals or grains like oatmeal and amaranth, tofu and dark leafy greens like kale or spinach. Iron supplements are also available over-the-counter; however it’s important to speak to your healthcare provider before taking any supplements as too much iron can be dangerous.

In addition to dietary changes and supplementation, incorporating physical activity into your daily routine has been proven to help improve symptoms associated with this condition. Exercise helps increase blood flow throughout the body which helps deliver oxygen and nutrients needed for healthy cells throughout the body including nails.

Iron, vitamin C, and folic acid deficiency can all cause health problems. Iron deficiency can make you feel tired and weak, have pale skin and brittle nails. Vitamin C deficiency can lead to a weakened immune system, while folic acid deficiency can result in anemia.

Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains and low-fat dairy products is important for getting enough of these vitamins and minerals to stay healthy.

Taking a daily multivitamin supplement may also help ensure your body gets what it needs. Exercise also helps improve symptoms associated with iron deficiency by improving blood flow throughout the body.

Conclusion

Beautiful and healthy nails are a sign of overall health. To achieve this, it is important to understand the connection between our diet and nail growth.

Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains and low-fat dairy products will ensure that you get all the necessary nutrients for strong nail growth.

Taking a daily multivitamin supplement can also help provide essential vitamins and minerals needed for your body’s needs.

Regular physical activity helps improve blood flow throughout the body which in turn provides oxygen and other vital nutrients to keep your nails looking beautiful! So take care of yourself today by making sure you’re getting enough nutrition – because taking steps towards healthier living starts from within!or Your Nails

About the Author

Jared Levenson is a former binge eating wrestler turned Zen Buddhist Monk, Internal Family Systems counselor and nutrition wellness coach. He's helped hundreds of people through universal meal principles and internal family systems to make peace with food, stop binge eating, and find true health and wholeness.

@jared_levenson

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