Sophia Delgado
Brittle nails that are prone to splitting can be a sign of aging, external damage, or medical treatments. However, they could also indicate a vitamin or mineral deficiency. Biotin, also known as vitamin B7 or vitamin H, is often recommended as a supplement to strengthen nails. Vitamin B12 and folate are also important for nail health, as they play a role in red blood cell production and oxygen transportation to nail cells. Vitamin C is another essential nutrient for nail health, as it is needed to produce collagen, a building block for nails. Additionally, zinc is required for healthy nail growth and cell replication.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause of nail splitting | Injury, such as stubbing a toe or receiving a blow to a finger or thumb |
| Long-term exposure to moisture | |
| Underlying skin conditions, such as psoriasis, onychomycosis, lichen planus, Darier's disease, or eczema | |
| Systemic conditions, such as thyroid disorder or anemia | |
| Frequent hand-washing | |
| Ageing | |
| Nutritional deficiencies, such as vitamin B12, folate, vitamin C, zinc, iron, biotin, vitamin D, vitamin A, or protein | |
| Treatment for nail splitting | Oral supplements, such as biotin, vitamin D, vitamin C, or silicic acid |
| Topical treatments, such as nail polish with Equisetum arvense (horsetail) |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- Biotin, or vitamin B7, helps strengthen nails and reduce splitting
- Vitamin C is needed to make collagen, which is a building block for nails
- Vitamin B12 and folate play a role in red blood cell production and oxygen transportation to nail cells
- Vitamin D is thought to be important for nail health, but more research is needed
- Zinc is required for healthy growth and replication of cells, including nails
Biotin, or vitamin B7, helps strengthen nails and reduce splitting
Fingernails can be a good indicator of a person's overall health. Changes in the appearance, texture, or shape of your nails could indicate nutrient deficiencies. Brittle nails, for example, could be a sign of aging, external damage, or certain medical treatments. However, in some cases, they could be a sign of a nutritional deficiency.
Biotin, also known as vitamin B7 or vitamin H, is a B-complex vitamin that helps strengthen nails and reduce splitting. It promotes healthy cell growth and aids in the metabolism of protein-building amino acids that are essential for nail growth. Biotin-rich foods and supplements may help strengthen brittle fingernails. A study found that 2.5 mg of biotin per day for six weeks to seven months improved symptoms in 63% of participants. Another study showed that biotin enhanced nail thickness in brittle nails by up to 25%.
Biotin is mostly found in meat, eggs, fish, seeds, and nuts. If you are a vegetarian or don't consume enough of these foods, you may consider adding a biotin supplement to your diet to keep your nails healthy and strong. The recommended daily allowance for Biotin is 30 mcg for adult men and women.
In addition to biotin, other vitamins and minerals are important for nail health. Vitamin B12 and folate, for instance, play a role in red blood cell production and oxygen transportation to nail cells. A deficiency in these vitamins can result in nail discolouration and ridges. Iron is also crucial as it is needed for red blood cells to carry oxygen to the nails. A lack of iron can lead to vertical ridges, concave nails, or "spoon" nails.
While nutritional deficiencies can contribute to nail splitting, external factors such as frequent hand-washing, long-term exposure to moisture, and the use of nail polish can also weaken nails and make them more prone to splitting. Additionally, underlying skin conditions like psoriasis, onychomycosis, and lichen planus, as well as systemic conditions like thyroid disorder or anemia, can cause nail brittleness and splitting.
How to Grow Your Nails: Product Recommendations
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Vitamin C is needed to make collagen, which is a building block for nails
Vitamin C is essential for the production of collagen, a protein that gives shape, strength, and integrity to many tissues and is the building block of fingernails, hair, and teeth. Collagen is a major structural protein in connective tissues and provides support to skin, hair, nails, bones, tendons, and cartilage. It is also a building block for proteins such as keratin, which forms skin, hair, and nails.
Vitamin C is needed to make collagen, which in turn lends nails their strength, shape, and resistance to breakage. The recommended daily allowance for Vitamin C in adults is 90mg daily for males or 75mg daily for females. However, if you are a smoker, it is recommended to increase this by 35mg.
Vitamin C-rich foods include red and green bell peppers, orange juice, oranges, grapefruit juice, kiwi, and broccoli. All of the high Vitamin C content foods are plant-based, so if you struggle to consume enough fruits and vegetables daily, consider taking a Vitamin C supplement.
In addition to its role in collagen synthesis, vitamin C acts as a powerful antioxidant by neutralizing reactive oxygen species, which are responsible for cell apoptosis during the inflammatory phase. Vitamin C has been shown to have the potential to accelerate bone healing after a fracture, increase type I collagen synthesis, and reduce oxidative stress parameters.
The Foundation of Fingernails: Understanding Nail Beds
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Vitamin B12 and folate play a role in red blood cell production and oxygen transportation to nail cells
Vitamin B12 and folate are essential for nail health. They play a crucial role in red blood cell production and ensuring oxygen is transported to nail cells. Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is a water-soluble vitamin that helps the body create healthy red blood cells. These red blood cells carry oxygen to organs and every cell in the body, including the nails.
A deficiency in vitamin B12 can cause nail discolouration, such as blue nails or bluish-black pigments with dark streaks. This is due to the inhibition of purine and thymidylate syntheses, impaired DNA synthesis, and erythroblast apoptosis, resulting in anaemia. Vitamin B12 is primarily found in animal foods such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy. However, it can also be fortified into other foods and beverages. The recommended daily allowance for vitamin B12 is 2.4 mcg for adults, with pregnant women requiring a higher amount.
Folate, also known as vitamin B9 or folic acid, is another B-vitamin that contributes to red blood cell formation and the development of new cells. A deficiency in folate can cause nail discolouration and make nails rigid and brittle. Folate can be found in dark green vegetables, citrus fruits, beans, peas, lentils, nuts, seeds, and avocados. The recommended daily allowance for folate is 400 mcg for adults, with pregnant women requiring a higher intake.
Both vitamin B12 and folate deficiencies can lead to anaemia, a condition where the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen to the organs and cells efficiently. This can result in vertical ridges in the nails or a concaved or "spoon" shape. Ensuring adequate intake of these vitamins through diet or supplements is crucial for maintaining nail health and preventing these deficiencies.
In addition to vitamin B12 and folate, other vitamins and minerals such as biotin, vitamin C, zinc, and iron also play important roles in nail health, growth, and strength. A well-rounded diet that includes a variety of nutrient-rich foods is recommended to promote overall nail health and appearance.
Unusual Nails: What Does It Mean?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$14.97
Vitamin D is thought to be important for nail health, but more research is needed
Fingernails can reveal a lot about a person's health. Nutritional deficiencies can cause changes in the appearance, texture, or shape of your nails. For example, a deficiency in vitamin B12 can result in blue nails with bluish-black pigments and wavy longitudinal dark streaks. Similarly, a deficiency in folate (vitamin B9) can cause nail discolouration and make nails rigid and brittle.
The most natural way to increase vitamin D levels is through sunlight. Aim for 15-20 minutes of direct sun exposure on the skin daily, while balancing sun exposure with proper skin protection to avoid sun damage. Vitamin D-rich foods can also help improve vitamin D levels. These include eggs, fish, and beef. If dietary changes and sunlight are insufficient, consider taking vitamin D supplements after consulting with a healthcare provider.
Other vitamins that are important for nail health include vitamin C, which is essential for collagen production, providing strength and integrity to nails; and zinc, which is required for the growth and division of cells, promoting the healthy growth of nails. Biotin, a B-complex vitamin, also known as vitamin B7, promotes healthy cell growth and aids in the metabolism of protein-building amino acids that are essential for nail growth.
Creative Nail Art: Painting Each Finger a Unique Color
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![NatureWise Hair Skin and Nails Vitamin, Biotin 5000mcg w/Hyaluronic Acid, Collagen for Women with C, B Complex, D3, A, E, Iron - Non-GMO, Gluten Free - 150 Softgels[50-Day Supply]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/711XQJUMNkL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
Zinc is required for healthy growth and replication of cells, including nails
Nail health can be an indicator of overall health and nutrient deficiencies. Nails are made up of a type of cell that grows and divides rapidly. Zinc is required for healthy growth and replication of cells, including nails.
Zinc is an essential mineral that supports a wide range of functions and systems in the human body. It is needed for many reactions in the body, including the growth and division of cells. A deficiency in zinc can cause nail dystrophy, which is the discoloration and distortion of nails. This can include brittle nails, which may split horizontally, forming layers. The deficiency can also cause inflammation of the cuticle, which is the dead skin at the base of the nail.
Zinc enables proteins in the body to grow and remain strong. This includes the proteins in nails. Without enough zinc, the rate of nail growth decreases, and the nails become fragile and prone to cracking.
Zinc can be found in supplements and certain foods. For example, zinc-plated hardware nails are available for woodworking projects.
Curling Fingernails: What Your Nails Are Trying to Tell You
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Biotin, also known as vitamin B7 or vitamin H, can help improve nail strength and enhance nail growth.
Vitamin B12, folate, vitamin C, and zinc are all important for keeping nails strong and healthy.
Vitamin deficiency can cause nails to become brittle, soft, or discoloured.
For biotin, the recommended daily allowance is 30 mcg for adults. For vitamin C, it's 90mg for males and 75mg for females. For vitamin B12, adults need 2.4 mcg, and for folate, it's 400mcg.
Biotin can be found in meat, eggs, fish, seeds, and nuts. Vitamin C is abundant in citrus fruits, bell peppers, and green vegetables. Vitamin B12 is primarily found in animal foods such as meat, poultry, fish, and eggs. Folate is present in dark green vegetables, citrus fruits, beans, and nuts.
![NutraChamps Biotin Gummies 10000mcg [High Potency] for Healthy Hair, Skin & Nails Vitamins for Women, Men & Kids - 5000mcg in Each Hair Vitamins Gummy - Vegan, Non-GMO, Hair Health Supplement](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71xfwRSTtWL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
