What brittle nails may indicate
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Iron deficiency: May cause brittle nails; more severe deficiency can cause spoon-shaped nails.
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Low protein intake or poor nutrition: Inadequate nutrients may affect healthy nail growth.
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Thyroid problems: An underactive thyroid can sometimes cause dry, brittle nails.
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Frequent water exposure: Repeated washing, detergents, and cleaning products can weaken nails.
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Aging: Nails often become more brittle with age.
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Fungal infection: Thickened, discoloured, or crumbly nails may indicate an infection.
How to strengthen your nails
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Eat a balanced diet with eggs, beans, lentils, nuts, leafy greens, and other protein- and iron-rich foods.
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Apply moisturiser or petroleum jelly to your nails and cuticles regularly.
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Wear gloves when washing dishes or using cleaning products.
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Avoid biting your nails and frequent use of acetone-based nail polish removers.
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Don’t start iron or high-dose biotin supplements without advice; supplements may be unnecessary, and biotin can interfere with certain blood tests.
When to see a doctor: Get checked if nail changes are sudden, persistent, painful, or accompanied by unusual fatigue, hair loss, or changes in skin colour.
One question: Are your nails simply breaking and splitting, or are they also changing colour, becoming ridged, or separating from the nail bed? That can help narrow down the likely cause.
