The following are some of the changes that nutritional deficiencies can produce in the nails:
- A lack of protein, folic acid, and vitamin C causes hangnails. White bands across the nails are also an indication of protein deficiency.
- A lack of vitamin A and calcium causes dryness and brittleness.
- A deficiency of the B vitamins causes fragility, with horizontal and vertical ridges.
- Insufficient intake of vitamin B12 leads to excessive dryness, very rounded and curved nail ends, and darkened nails.
- Iron deficiency may result in "spoon" nails (nails that develop a concave
shape) and /or vertical ridges.
- A lack of sufficient hydrochloric acid (HCI) contributes to splitting nails.
Copywright © 2000-2006 Nichole Gonzalez. All rights reserved.
Revised December 20, 2005