Brittle Nails and Vitamin Deficiency
Nails are made up of keratin, a protein, which is produced by the skin cells too. As proper nutrition is an important part of skin care, nails too need adequate nutrition for its healthy growth. Vitamin deficiency can lead to brittle nails, along with many other conditions. A deficiency of the following vitamins, like, vitamin A, B vitamins, vitamin C, and vitamin D, may result in brittle nails. The following are some of the vitamins, minerals and other compounds, that are needed for healthy nails. Read more on vitamins for healthy nails.
* Vitamin A deficiency can adversely affect the health of the nails, as this vitamin aids the body to process proteins. As protein is one of the main constituents of nails, a deficiency of vitamin A affects the nails and makes it brittle and dry. It is also said that retinoid (a derivative of vitamin A) deficiency may also cause brittle nails.
* B vitamins are also essential for the nails, especially biotin or vitamin B7 and vitamin B12. B vitamins strengthen the nails and prevent dryness of nails, darkening and the occurrence of curved ends.
* Vitamin C deficiency can lead to hangnails, swelling of nail tissues and brittle nails. These conditions may be painful and cause infections too.
* Vitamin D and calcium are also needed for healthy and strong nails. Vitamin D deficiency affects the absorption of calcium ion in the body, which in turn results in brittle nails.
Apart from the above mentioned vitamins, nutrition for nails include proteins, hydrochloric acid, essential fatty acids, silicon, zinc, iron, copper and selenium. Inadequate intake of foods containing these nutrients can cause brittle nails deficiency.
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