The growth of fingernails and toenails slows as we get older, and their appearance may change. Some nails become yellowed or dull and brittle, and some or all may develop tiny longitudinal ridges. Fingernails tend to become thinner and more fragile, while toenails usually become thicker and harder. To continue reading this article, you must log in. Already a member? Login ». As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content.
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This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. See more conditions. Request Appointment. Using chemical cleaners and acetone nail polish remover can also result in cracked, brittle nails.
Avoid mechanical trauma to nails by wearing gloves when washing dishes and for other cleaning chores, and choose a nonacetone polish remover. Hand sanitizers can also dry out nails and cause them to split. Read more: Homemade Nail Strengthener. Less common than mechanical trauma, nutrient deficiencies can also lead to brittle nails.
According to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, low iron is typically the culprit for brittle nails caused by a deficiency. Increase the iron in your diet by eating more:. Read more: Iron Deficiency and Nail Changes. Biotin is a necessary nutrient for healthy nail formation and growth.
Taking a biotin supplement may help strengthen fingernails and prevent splitting and cracking. Supplementing with 2 to 3 milligrams per day can improve brittle fingernails after six months of daily use, according to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.
If no improvement is evident after six months of supplementation, biotin is probably not the solution. Pregnant women should avoid taking supplemental biotin. While cracked nails are not caused by a protein deficiency per se, they may result from a deficiency in nutrients associated with high-protein foods.
The amount of protein consumed may be sufficient, but the types of proteins consumed may result in an iron or biotin deficiency.
Biotin often binds with proteins , so some protein-rich foods are also rich in biotin. Good dietary sources of biotin include egg yolks and liver. Nonmeat sources of biotin include nuts, legumes and dairy products.
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