It begins with a minor irritation, one nail cracks while washing the dishes, another splits while typing on a laptop. If this is happening more often than it used to, you are not alone. Surveys in dermatology
clinics suggest that more than 20% of people experience brittle nails at some point in their lives, with women reportedly more affected than men. What this raises is a question that goes beyond cosmetic dissatisfaction, could your nails be offering a visible signal that something deeper is amiss in your body?
Brittle nails, medically known as onychoschizia, are far more than a mere nuisance. They can result from everyday wear and tear, but they may also be the first cue of an underlying deficit in your diet, or a lifestyle habit going unnoticed. What this really means is that your nail health might be offering critical feedback on your internal health and ignoring these signs could be a missed opportunity.
Are Brittle Nails A Result Of Nutritional Deficiency?
Brittle nails are often associated with deficiencies in key micronutrients, particularly iron, biotin, vitamin B12, and zinc. A landmark study published in The Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology discussed how nutritional imbalance is one of the most common systemic causes of nail fragility.
Iron deficiency, especially in the form of anaemia, is one of the most established links. The nails can become thin, fragile, and may even take on a spoon-like shape, a condition known as koilonychia. Another common culprit is low levels of biotin, a B-complex vitamin that supports keratin infrastructure, the protein that forms hair, skin, and nails. In a small study, women who took biotin supplements for onychoschizia noticed a 25% increase in nail thickness after six months.
This does not mean every chipped nail is screaming for supplements. The deficiency link is valid, but the body has a hierarchy of needs, and nails are at the bottom of it. More serious symptoms such as fatigue, hair loss, or persistent weakness often precede changes in nail structure. A blood test is the safest route to rule out deficiency.
Can Brittle Nails Develop from Everyday Habits?
In many cases, everyday routines are harsher on nails than people realise. Frequent exposure to water, use of acetone-based nail polish removers, harsh detergents, and overuse of artificial nails all weaken the nail plate over time. The repeated cycle of wetting and drying causes keratin layers to pull apart, creating dry, frayed ends.
Even weather plays a role- cold, dry air dehydrates nails, just as it does to skin. That is why nail splitting is more common in winter than in monsoon or summer. Just as moisturising is essential for skin, nails need similar care.
Some habits seem harmless but are not. Biting nails or picking at the cuticle disrupts the nail’s protective barrier. This can trigger trauma and expose the nail bed to fungal or bacterial infections. Left untreated, these infections can worsen nail brittleness.
Is Brittle Nail Syndrome a Real Medical Condition?
Yes brittle nail syndrome is a real medical condition but it is often misunderstood. Brittle nail syndrome is an umbrella term for nails that split, peel, or break easily. Dermatologists diagnose it when nails show repeated lamellar splitting where layers separate horizontally.
Research shows that this condition is more prevalent among people with chronic health issues such as hypothyroidism, peripheral vascular disease, and autoimmune disorders like lupus. In these cases, brittle nails are not standalone but part of a larger clinical picture.
There is also an age-related element. As people grow older, nail growth rate slows, and hydration levels decrease. In women, hormonal changes during menopause can further influence nail thickness and texture.
Should You Take Supplements to Fix Brittle Nails?
It is tempting to think of supplements as a shortcut, but health experts say they should not be the first option. While biotin supplements are often marketed for nail strength, evidence remains mixed. The Cochrane Review concluded that only a limited number of small, industry-funded studies show benefit, mostly in cases where deficiency is already confirmed.
Iron, zinc, and multivitamin complexes should never be taken without medical supervision. Too much zinc, for example, can interfere with copper absorption and cause nausea. Vitamin A in excess can even cause hair and nail loss.
A more sustainable approach is dietary. Including iron-rich foods such as spinach, lentils, and meat, or biotin-rich foods like eggs, nuts, and whole grains, ensures gradual, natural repair. The British Association of Dermatologists suggests increasing intake of omega-3 sources such as salmon and chia seeds to support the nail bed’s lipid barrier.
Disclaimer: The content is for information purpose only. Consult a qualified health expert before making any changes to your diet or include supplements
