Nail Care: Cracking the Code of Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Nails have become an essential part of the beauty routine with nail art serving as a trendy way to express oneself. However, Nails are more than just a canvas for artwork; they can serve as a window to a person’s overall health.

Very often, the deficiency of an essential nutrients like vitamin B12 affects nail health. The deficiency of this vital nutrient may be indicated through brittle, discolored, or irregularly shaped nails.

What is Vitamin B12 deficiency?

Vitamin B12 is essential for several body processes, including the creation of red blood cells, neuron function and DNA synthesis. When the body lacks this nutrient, it also significantly impacts the appearance of the nails. Vitamins help nails to grow and get stronger.

In this article, StyleSpeak delves into the signs of vitamin B12 deficiency and its impact on the nails and provides expert tips to restore nail health.

Signs of Vitamin B12 Deficiency on Nails

• Brittle Nails: Nails that split or break easily? This is a common symptom of vitamin B12 deficiency. The vitamin is essential for maintaining the protein structure of the nails, which keeps them strong and damage-resistant.
• Yellowish Nails: Healthy nails should be pink in colour. Pale or yellow nails may indicate poor oxygenation, which may occur due to insufficient red blood cell synthesis caused by vitamin B12 insufficiency.
• Ridges and Lines: If your nails have vertical ridges or lines, these inconsistencies may be an indication of nail growth problems, which are frequently related to dietary deficiencies such as lack of vitamin B12.

• Spoon-shaped Nails: If the margins of your nails begin to curl upward, resembling a spoon, this could indicate a severe vitamin B12 deficiency. Koilonychia is another nail condition that occurs due to vitamin B12 deficiency. It reflects the impairment of the nail matrix, where new nail cells are formed.

Vitamin B12 for Healthy Growth of Nails

Nails have Keratin, a protein essential to both their strength and looks. The synthesis of this protein requires vitamin B12, hence a lack of the vitamin might cause weak and brittle nails. The growth and upkeep of nails depend on good blood flow to the nail bed, which vitamin B12 helps in promoting. If the blood supply is insufficient in nails, they may become discoloured, brittle, and vulnerable to infections.

Expert Tips to Nourish Your Nails

Varsha Gorey, a senior clinical dietitian at Apollo Hospital says, “Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin and is routinely required in our daily diet.”

Here are the tips to restore and maintain healthy nail growth:

• Balanced Diet: The core element in maintaining the health of nails is having a balanced diet. Incorporate vitamin B12 sources like lean meats, fish, eggs, dairy products, and fortified cereals. For a vegetarian or vegan diet, consider including B12-fortified foods or supplements recommended by a healthcare professional.
• Hydration: Drinking adequate water is essential for maintaining the overall health and hydration of nails. Dehydration can lead to dry and brittle nails.
• Vitamin C Synergy: Vitamin C helps with iron absorption which is essential for nails. Combine meals rich in vitamin B12 with foods high in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, strawberries, and bell peppers.
• Supplements: Even though supplements can help with deficiencies, it’s essential to consult a doctor before beginning any new supplement routine.
• Holistic Nail Care: External care of nails is as important as internal care. Keep your nails clean, trim them regularly, and avoid excessive exposure to water to prevent weakening. Using a moisturizing nail cream or oil can also help maintain nail flexibility and strength.

Nail care is as important as skin and hair care. It completes the healthy lifestyle routine when all aspects are covered. Nail care industry is not just about beautiful nails but an essential part of beauty with strength. So, strengthen your nails and get gorgeous.

Do’s and Don’ts to improve nail health

Do’s

• Keep nails clean and free from dirt to prevent the growth of microbes
• Trim and clip your nails with sharp scissors or clippers.
• Keep nails dry and protect them from exposure to harsh chemicals
• Use an acetone-free nail varnish remover

Don’ts

• Don’t bite nails or pick the cuticles
• Don’t remove hangnails
• Don’t fill the nails frequently. It could cause split nails
• Avoid acetone-based nail polish removers. These are harsh and can cause dryness.