Fingernails keep on snapping - deficiency?

castadiva

My previously-very-strong fingernails keep on snapping just above the quick. They're not overly long, and this has never been a problem before. Could this be a sign of a nutritional deficiency? I typically eat two servings of dairy/day, which is supposed to be good for nails etc. Any ideas?

shorter30

B12 effects your nails. May be a good idea to have your doctor check your B12 level.

UponThisRock

What does your fat intake look like?

crzyone

Mine have been weak for years so I feel your need to fix ths!!! I recently ripped both thumbnails off when they got caught on something. They bled and have been terribly painful. I hope you find what you need to fix this problem!!!! My mom swears it's calcium and that her calcium pills that she takes makes them strong.

castadiva

No idea about my B12 levels - I shall get that checked - but my fats are reasonably high - the pie chart is usually around the 35% range. Is this likely to be an issue? I eat full-fat dairy (better for the brain!), nuts, seeds, avocados etc.

campbellfordgranny

If you get an answer to this question ... I would be interested too, mine are breaking at the sides, below the quick, then I have to cut them really short in order to grow it out. Any ideas why this is happening.

UponThisRock

No idea about my B12 levels - I shall get that checked - but my fats are reasonably high - the pie chart is usually around the 35% range. Is this likely to be an issue? I eat full-fat dairy (better for the brain!), nuts, seeds, avocados etc.

Low fat could be an issue, but your intake sounds fine.

castadiva

I'll bear that in mind - thanks for sharing the info - but I think it's unlikely. Useful to know that it could be a problem, though.

redheadmommy

I too have this problem for years.
I take a vitamin B complex , and I do not think I have deficiency in it . Same as OP, I eat nuts and eggs, and butter and full fat dairy, so there is no way I lack the fat either.

I often became iron deficient, as I do not like red meat, but I have taken iron pills for long time, and the problem persisted.

mahidac

sounds more like iron deficiency than B12 - like an above poster said it could be fat related as well

should have your blood drawn and see your doctor sounds like anemia - could be related to Iron, B12 or folic acid - B12 typically has a neurological presentation as well (loss of coordination or extremity tingling)

def go see a doctor

ChasingHaven

If I remember correctly from a Dr. Oz episode he suggested Omega3 for brittle nails. I have the same problem as well, but haven't tried it yet.

sunnykt

Now that I think of it, I've always had soft nails... I now take a multi every few days (for general health), fish oil (for ma thyroid), have occasional protein shakes (because I was obviously not having enough protein), B vitamins (in particular, as I sometimes take study vitamins containing vitamin and I take vitamin D and calcium (because I was vitamin D deficient) and my nails are really hard, considering how soft they always were...

Try adding magnesium, or do the lazy thing and take hair, nail, skin vitamins- which are likely to cure the deficiency causing the nail problems. If this doesn't cure it; make sure you have enough magnesium- to help with vitamin D absorption, to help with Calcium absorption. Hahaha.

castadiva

Thanks all - I'm seeing the doctor next week about something else anyway, so I'll ask about the anemia possibility then. I'll report back once I have an answer for all those who have the same issue!

kouzzzz

Eating eggs (the yolk too) is an easy way to strengthen nails, it has all the B vitamins. The avoidance of refined flour and sugar, which block absorption of protein. In addition, Vitamin C, nuts and essential fatty acids are good additions to the diet to encourage stronger nails.

castadiva

Thanks for the information - I already eat whole eggs, nuts, seeds, EFAs and masses of Vit C, and not much refined flour or sugar, so I think it's unlikely to be those things, but good to bear in mind. I suspect the anemia might be an issue, as I grew up in a very carnivorous family, and now eat a lot less red meat than my body was probably used to. My housemate won't eat it, and we share cooking duties, so...

dancingj2

I found that happened when I was not eating enough protein.

I would suggest adding some lean meat or fish and possibly takinbg a multi vaitamin for a while and see if that helps.