Brittle Nails and Vitamin Deficiency

It is normal for older and aged people to have brittle nails, as it is a part of the aging process. But, young people too suffer from this condition, which is otherwise known as 'onychorrhexis'. Nails are made up of protein layers and their strength and thickness are determined by the genes. Brittle nails is a condition, which is caused by the separation and breaking of the protein layers, that constitute the nails. This is a common problem faced by around 20% of the people across the globe, with more women sufferers. People with brittle nails experience breaking or peeling of its horizontal layers. Usually, such peeling and breaking starts from the nail tips. The nails may break, crack, split or chip very easily and it is very difficult to grow such nails.

Brittle Nails Causes

While brittle nails causes include heredity, excess use of soaps, detergents, nail polish remover, etc., overexposure to water, some medical conditions, like, hypothyroidism, anemia, anorexia nervosa or bulimia and nail biting habit. Many people are born with thin nails, which are prone to become brittle, due to some of the above mentioned causes. This can happen to those with thick nails too. Improper nail care may also lead to brittle fingernails. Another common cause for brittle nails is vitamin deficiency, which can make the nails white, dry and brittle. Let us take a look at the link between brittle nails and vitamin deficiency.

Brittle Nails and Vitamin Deficiency

Nails are made up of keratin, a protein, which is produced by the skin cells too. As proper nutrition is an important part of skin care, nails too need adequate nutrition for its healthy growth. Vitamin deficiency can lead to brittle nails, along with many other conditions. A deficiency of the following vitamins, like, vitamin A, B vitamins, vitamin C, and vitamin D, may result in brittle nails. The following are some of the vitamins, minerals and other compounds, that are needed for healthy nails.

• Vitamin A deficiency can adversely affect the health of the nails, as this vitamin aids the body to process proteins. As protein is one of the main constituents of nails, a deficiency of vitamin A affects the nails and makes it brittle and dry. It is also said that retinoid (a derivative of vitamin A) deficiency may also cause brittle nails.
• B vitamins are also essential for the nails, especially biotin or vitamin B7 and vitamin B12. B vitamins strengthen the nails and prevent dryness of nails, darkening and the occurrence of curved ends.
• Vitamin C deficiency can lead to hangnails, swelling of nail tissues and brittle nails. These conditions may be painful and cause infections too.
• Vitamin D and calcium are also needed for healthy and strong nails. Vitamin D deficiency affects the absorption of calcium ion in the body, which in turn results in brittle nails.

Apart from the above mentioned vitamins, nutrition for nails include proteins, hydrochloric acid, essential fatty acids, silicon, zinc, iron, copper and selenium. Inadequate intake of foods containing these nutrients can cause brittle nails deficiency.

Now, you know the relation between brittle nails and vitamin deficiency. You can counter this problem by adopting a proper diet, which takes care of your nutritional requirements. Include more fruits and vegetable in your diet and drink lots of water. You may also resort to some brittle nails remedy, which can help you to fight this problem. In case of severe symptoms, treatment for brittle nails should be undertaken at the earliest. Approach a dermatologist for brittle nails treatment, which also includes brittle toenails treatment. Brittle toenails in children, may be an indication of some health problem, so it is always better to consult the doctor, if symptoms are severe.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice. Visiting your physician is the safest way to diagnose and treat any health condition.