Noah Sinclair
Your fingernails can tell you a lot about your health. Healthy nails are hard, smooth, and free of any bumps or abnormal colouring. Nails should grow at a rate of about 3.47mm per month. If your nails are growing slowly, you may be lacking in certain nutrients, such as iron, calcium, or biotin. However, there are other factors that can cause vitamin deficiencies, such as health issues or certain medications. In addition, small dents or pits in your nails can be a sign of nail psoriasis, eczema, or alopecia, while curving nails can be a sign of many serious, long-term conditions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Growth speed | Nails should grow about 3.47mm per month. |
| Texture | Healthy nails are hard and smooth. |
| Colour | Nails should be free of any abnormal colouring. |
| Shape | Deep lines or grooves across your fingernails (Beau's lines) may happen when you're ill but should grow out. Fingernails curving over rounded fingertips (clubbing) can be a sign of many serious, long-term conditions. |
| Diet | A healthy diet is vital for healthy nail growth. People with an iron deficiency often notice brittle nails along with other symptoms like fatigue and dry hair. Calcium is also important for nail growth. |
| Vitamins and supplements | Biotin, which is often found in hair and nail supplements, is also key to healthy fingernails. |
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What You'll Learn
Your diet may be lacking in nutrients like iron, calcium and biotin
If your nails are growing slowly, you may be lacking in certain nutrients. Nails are made of the protein keratin, and healthy nails should be hard, smooth, and free of bumps or abnormal colouring. Nails should grow at a rate of about 3.47mm per month, so if you notice that your nails are growing abnormally slowly, it could be a sign that your diet is lacking in nutrients like iron, calcium and biotin.
Iron deficiency can cause brittle nails, as well as fatigue and dry hair. Calcium is also important for nail growth, so if you're not getting enough calcium in your diet, you might have short nails. Biotin, which is often found in hair and nail supplements, is another key nutrient for healthy nails.
If you think your diet may be lacking in these nutrients, consider taking a supplement. While it's best to get your vitamins and minerals through a healthy diet, many people struggle to get an adequate intake of some nutrients. Vitamins and supplements marketed for nail health can be helpful for people with vitamin deficiencies. However, it's important to note that there may be other factors at play, such as health issues or medications, that can cause vitamin deficiencies even in people who eat a healthy diet. If you think you may have a vitamin deficiency, speak to your doctor, who can advise you on the best course of action.
In addition to nutrient deficiencies, there are other possible causes of nail problems. Small dents or pits in your nails can be a sign of nail psoriasis, eczema, or alopecia. Deep lines or grooves across your fingernails (known as Beau's lines) may occur when you're ill but should grow out. Fingernails curving over rounded fingertips (clubbing) can be a sign of serious, long-term conditions. If you're concerned about your nail health, you can refer yourself to a podiatrist for further evaluation.
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You may have a vitamin deficiency
If your nails are growing slowly, you may have a vitamin deficiency. Nails are made up of the protein keratin, and healthy nails will be hard, smooth, and free of any bumps or abnormal colouring. On average, your nails should grow about 3.47mm per month. If you notice that your nails are growing abnormally slowly, it could be a sign that you are lacking in certain nutrients. A healthy diet is vital for healthy nail growth. People with an iron deficiency often notice brittle nails, along with other symptoms like fatigue and dry hair. Calcium is also important for nail growth, so you might have short nails if you don't get enough calcium in your diet. Biotin, which is often found in hair and nail supplements, is also key to healthy fingernails. Even protein, which you may not think about when considering the health of your skin and nails, is a key nutrient for all aspects of your body. If your fingernails won't grow very quickly, consider looking at your diet and taking a supplement if necessary. While it's best to get your vitamins through a healthy diet, many people struggle to get an adequate intake of some vitamins and minerals. There are other factors, including health issues and certain medications, that can cause vitamin deficiencies in people who eat a healthy diet. If that's the case for you, your doctor will likely prescribe a supplement.
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You may have a health condition like nail psoriasis, eczema or alopecia
Your fingernails can tell you a lot about your health. Healthy nails are hard, smooth, and free of any bumps or abnormal colouring. If your nails are growing slowly, you may have a vitamin deficiency. For example, people with an iron deficiency often notice brittle nails, along with other symptoms like fatigue and dry hair. Calcium is also important for nail growth.
If you have small dents or pits in your nails, this could be a sign of nail psoriasis, eczema or alopecia. Deep lines or grooves across your fingernails (known as Beau's lines) may occur when you're ill, but they should grow out. If your nails are curving over rounded fingertips (a condition known as clubbing), this could be a sign of many serious, long-term conditions.
If you think you may have a vitamin deficiency, consider taking supplements. Biotin, which is often found in hair and nail supplements, is key to healthy fingernails. You can also try to get your vitamins through a healthy diet. However, many people struggle to get an adequate intake of some vitamins and minerals through diet alone. If you think you have a health condition, you may be able to refer yourself directly to a podiatrist without seeing a GP.
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You may be taking certain medications
If your nails are growing slowly, you may be lacking in some nutrients. A healthy diet is vital for healthy nail growth, and certain medications can cause vitamin deficiencies, even in people who eat a healthy diet. For example, proton pump inhibitors such as Zantac can lead to vitamin B and iron deficiencies, and there is evidence that they can weaken your bones. Antiepileptic drugs such as Dilantin, Tegretol and Lyrica can also cause nutrient deficiencies, and patients taking these medications may need to take supplements such as biotin, folic acid, vitamin D or vitamin K. Other medications that can cause vitamin deficiencies include Adderall, Zoloft, Wellbutrin, and antibiotics. Diuretics can also cause vitamin deficiencies by increasing the loss of nutrients through urine.
If you are taking any of these medications and are concerned about your nail growth, you should consult your doctor or pharmacist. They may recommend taking supplements to ensure you are getting all the nutrients you need.
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Your nails may be curving over rounded fingertips (clubbing)
Fingernails curving over rounded fingertips (clubbing) can be a sign of many serious, long-term conditions. Nails are an extension of your skin and are made up of the protein keratin. Healthy nails will be hard, smooth, and free of any bumps or abnormal colouring. On average, your nails should grow about 3.47mm per month. If your nails are growing slowly, you may be lacking in some nutrients. A healthy diet is vital for healthy nail growth. People with an iron deficiency often notice brittle nails along with other symptoms like fatigue and dry hair. Calcium is also important for nail growth, so you might have short nails if you aren't getting enough calcium in your diet. Biotin, which is often found in hair and nail supplements, is also key to healthy fingernails. Even protein, which you may not think about when considering the health of your skin and nails, is a key nutrient for all aspects of your body. If your fingernails won't grow very quickly, consider looking at your diet and taking a supplement if necessary. Vitamins and supplements marketed to help with the health of your nails can be helpful for people who actually have a vitamin deficiency. While it's best to get your vitamins through a healthy diet, many people struggle to get an adequate intake of some vitamins and minerals. There are other factors, including health issues and certain medications, that can cause vitamin deficiencies in people who do eat a healthy diet. If that's the case, your doctor will likely prescribe a supplement.
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Frequently asked questions
It could be a sign that you are lacking in certain nutrients, such as iron or calcium.
It could be a sign of nail psoriasis, eczema or alopecia.
It could be a sign of a serious, long-term condition.
