Brittle Toenails

[CinnamonSugar]

Although I give my toenails a break from polish during the winter months, I've noticed this year that they are very brittle and break/tear easily. (My fingernails, on the other hand--pardon my pun -- are strong and healthy.) No fungal infection. Trying to drink more water.

I wonder if part of it is that I seldom eat animal protein anymore? I try to have a balance diet aside from that.

I wonder if putting vitamin E on them will help?

What is your experience?

 

[Devi]

I take balanced vitamins, and try to eat balanced foods (some kind of meat, veggies, etc. -- not a vegetarian). My nails are good and strong.

 

[Aunt Marg]

CinnamonSugar. I was just reading up on brittle nails in general, and all of the articles I visited point to iron deficiency, age, hypothyroidism, and even diabetes.

Myself, I've always had really strong nails and hair, but have always been a meat-eater.

Have you tried doing the eyelid test to see how red or white the inside tissue is?

 

[Jules]

Have you tried doing the eyelid test to see how red or white the inside tissue is?

Do you have a link to an explanation?

 

[Aunt Marg]

Do you have a link to an explanation?

Any and all articles point to this, Jules.

Here is a classic example of an iron deficient person.

Same goes for a pasty complexion, in addition to a pale tongue, all classic indications of iron deficiency.

 

[Jules]

Thanks.

 

[CinnamonSugar]

Well I had labs recently for annual and the MD didn't mention low iron. However, I will go eye-ball my conjunctiva and stick my tongue out at myself ....

Aaaand everything is pink and healthy

 

[hollydolly]

I have a varied diet, eat milk and dairy... take multi-vits and biotin.. and my toe-nails have always been strong.. unlike my finger nails which have always been flaky and easily broken...as is my hair ( easily broken not flaky)

 

[win231]

I don't think it's related to nutrition. I eat everything.
I'm getting brittle toenails. Probably has something to do with age and diabetes.
The big toe on my right foot was stubbed on the bed frame several years ago, the nail turned black & came off & the new nail has always been brittle, pink & wrinkly. The other toenails are getting white & growing in strange shapes.