Brittle Nails and Vitamin Deficiency: Nutrition for Dry Brittle Nail

Vitamins perform specific and vital functions in the body chemistry.

Like other organs of body, nails also indicate the state of health of our body. Deficiency of vitamins and minerals can be judged by observing nails in clinical practice.

The other nail problem like brittle nail and discoloration of nail is seen in fungal infection.

Brittle nails are associated with the process of aging and as individuals get older their nails become brittle. However, when brittle nails are observed in younger people, the condition is referred to as ‘onychorrhexis’.

Nails are made up of protein layers which are responsible for strength and thickness of the nails.

However, the nails become brittle when the protein layers start separating and breaking off.

Brittle Nail Causes

There are several causes of brittle nails which include excessive use of soaps and detergents, nail polish, hypothyrodism, anemia, nail biting habit, etc. However vitamin deficiency plays a crucial role in making the nails brittle.

A multi vitamin deficiency (i.e. deficiency of Vitamin A, B complex, C and D) is associated with nail brittleness along with a wide range of other symptoms.

Brittle Nails Diet and Nutrition

Nails are made of a protein called keratin. Like any other organ of the body, nails require adequate nutrition to grow and remain healthy.

Deficiency of vitamins is associated with brittleness of the nails. Inadequate supply of essential vitamins is associated with the following problems,

1. Deficiency of vitamin A is associated with unhealthy and dry brittle nails
2. Deficiency of Vitamin B complex are responsible for dryness, weakness and curving of the ends of the nails
3. Vitamin C deficiency results in swelling of the nail tissue and hangnails and is often associated with painful infections
4. Vitamin D is essential for healthy and strong nails and its deficiency makes the nails brittle
5. The diet for brittle nails should comprise of green leafy vegetables, fresh fruits, milk, soy, legumes, pulses, fresh fruits, dry fruits and berries, etc which are rich in Vitamins essential for the nails.
6. Eat foods which contains vitamins for nails: green leafy vegetables, cereals, beans and nuts, yeast extracts, fish and sea food, eggs and chicken. Carrots and fresh fruits contain vitamin A and C, they are vital for nail growth.
7. Regular manicure and pedicure will keep nails healthy and in shape. Iron containing food and supplements will not allow the nails to get brittle.

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