the nails can become unusually thin or develop a concave, spoon-like appearance.
Other nutritional deficiencies may also affect the skin, hair, or nails. However, it is important not to assume that brittle nails automatically mean you are lacking a particular vitamin or mineral.
Nail changes have many possible explanations, and appearance alone cannot reliably identify a deficiency. Taking supplements without knowing whether you actually need them is not always helpful and, in some cases, excessive intake of certain nutrients can cause problems.
A balanced diet that provides adequate protein, iron, zinc, vitamins, and other essential nutrients is generally more important than relying on a single “nail vitamin.”
When Brittle Nails Are Linked to Skin Problems
The condition of the skin around your nails can provide another clue.
Eczema and psoriasis, for example, can affect the nails as well as the skin. Nail psoriasis may cause pitting, ridges, discoloration, thickening, or
