Which vitamin/nutrition deficiencies cause brittle nails?

Question

I understand that being deficient in certain vitamins / minerals / nutrients can result in dry, brittle fingernails. But specifically, which vitamins / minerals / nutrients cause this? My nails are very brittle so I want to ensure I'm getting everything I should be in my diet. I already know about supplements marketed as "nail/skin/hair vitamins" but I want to what component(s) of these is responsible for nurturing healthy nails.

Answer 1

calcium, preferably with vitamin D - it helps body to absorb calcium

Answer 2

Hi! It's true that brittle nails may be caused by certain vitamin deficiencies, particularly iron, although this is not the most frequent cause. Most frequently, brittle nails are caused by repeated wetting and drying of the nail surface as with repeated dishwashing. The best way to tell if this is the cause is that the toenails will be normal in appearance, whereas if there is a vitamin deficiency, the toenails will also be affected.

The nail surface can be damaged by exposure to certain chemicals, nail polish removers and detergents which may cause them to become brittle, dry and split.

When brittle nails are caused by a vitamin deficiency, it most commonly is iron that's lacking from the diet. You might want to have your doctor perform a simple blood test to make sure you don't have iron deficiency anemia. Calcium deficiency has also been known to cause brittle nails. Make sure you're getting an adequate calcium intake on a daily basis.

How should this condition be treated? If the cause is moisture imbalance to the nail surface, you should wear gloves when dishwashing and apply a good moisture lotion containing lanolin to the nails. You can also use nail hardeners to provide a barrier to the nail surface and to give them strength.

Another treatment that's been shown to work is supplementation with the vitamin, Biotin. This has been shown to have positive benefits in around 30% of people who use it, although it takes 6 months to see real results. This may be worth a try if the other treatments don't have an effect.

Hope this helps! All the best to you. :-)

Kristie
http://www.curefromnature.com

Answer 3

I think any multivitamin would help.
Any single vitamin is not good to take because some of them can be toxic if you take too much.
Another thing that causes brittle nails is low thyroid so you might have to go to a doctor and get that checked.

Answer 4

Calcium and the b-vitamin - biotin.

Answer 5

Low levels of iron and zinc.

Answer 6

Take more calcium.