Iron/protein?!?! (i am a vegetarian don't worry, i REALLY need help tho)?

Question

Ok ,i have been a vegetarian for about 5 months now. I was wondering what your nails look like if you arent getting enough iron, or protein in my deit.

I eat cheese, nuts, peanut butter, dairy products, i lOVE salads.

But my nails look kinda off, so i was wondering what they look like without getting enough iron/protein.

THANKS!

Answer 1

Protein
The average person only needs about 50 grams of protein per day. Protein is in everything, just look at the side of boxes. In todays world it is very hard to be protein deficient if you are eating a wide variety. Protein deficiencies are mostly seen in third world countries suffering from famine.

High protein foods include:
soy milk, tofu, nuts(Almonds, Cashews, Filberts, Hemp Seeds, Peanuts, Pumpkin seeds, Sesame seeds, Sunflower seeds, Walnuts (black)), seeds, legumes(Garbanzo beans, Kidney beans, Lentils, Lima beans, Navy beans, Soybeans, Split peas), grains(Barley, Brown rice, Buckwheat, Millet, Oatmeal, Rye, Wheat germ, Wheat, hard red, Wild rice), vegetables(Artichokes, Beets, Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Cucumbers, Eggplant, Green peas, Green pepper, Kale, Lettuce, Mushrooms, Mustard green, Onions, Potatoes, Spinach, Tomatoes, Turnip greens, Watercress, Yams, Zucchini), fruits(Apple, Banana, Cantaloupe, Grape, Grapefruit, Honeydew melon, Orange, Papaya, Peach, Pear, Pineapple, Strawberry)

Iron
Iron is a crucial component of red blood cells. Dried beans and peas, lentils, enriched cereals, whole-grain products, dark, leafy green vegetables, and dried fruit are good sources of iron. To help your body absorb non-animal sources of iron, eat foods rich in vitamin C — such as strawberries, citrus fruits, tomatoes, cabbage and broccoli — at the same time you consume iron-containing foods.

Answer 2

Spinach is high in iron. Most dark leafy greens like collards and kale contain calcium, trace minerals, and other nutrients that help to sustain you. Tofu, temeph, beans, and nuts are all good sources of protein. I think as long as you eat a balanced diet and consume what you like in moderation, I think you will be fine.

If you are still concerned, speak with a dietitian and/or a dermatologist.

Answer 3

your nails will be brittle if you don't get enough iron. don't worry about it, you probably aren't deficient. just add more nuts, dark greens, tofu (!!!), and other protein/iron rich foods into your diet.
here are some other good sources
http://www.vrg.org/nutrition/protein.htm

Answer 4

u need iron for healthy blood and so u won't develope anemia, protien for strenghth, and yes, u need them. what about eggs? u need protien, and can get that from other sources other than eggs. look it up in vegetarian sites, ( i don't know of any off hand) and they will tell u, u need these vital nutrients!

Answer 5

Vitamins, they have specific vitamins for specific needs.

Answer 6

what?