The appearance of your fingernails can reflect the state of your health. Nail conditions, including split nails, have a variety of causes. Onychoschizia is the medical term for split nails, a condition more common in women than in men. Although vitamin deficiencies are seldom the reason for nail problems, taking a vitamin supplement may make them stronger.
Onychoschizia
The most common cause of split nails is excessive wetting and drying of the nails. If your hands are frequently wet, take protective measures as much as you can. Wear waterproof gloves when you do household chores, such as washing the dishes. Use lotion on your hands and nails. Stay away from acetone nail-polish remover. Use a nail-glue product on minor cracks, and spread on a layer of clear polish to keep any splits from getting worse.
Biotin
Although there is no evidence that vitamin deficiencies cause onychoschizia, taking a biotin supplement or eating more foods that are rich in biotin may alleviate nail splitting. Biotin, also called vitamin H, is part of the group of B vitamins. It plays an important role in helping your body metabolize amino acids, fats and carbohydrates. Along with the other B vitamins, biotin helps supports hair, skin and eye health. Food sources of biotin include cooked egg yolks, soybeans, bananas, brewer's yeast and nuts.
Dose
The recommended daily amount of biotin is 30 mcg for adults and 35 mcg for breastfeeding women, although your doctor may recommend 100 to 1,000 mcg per day to treat onychoschizia or other possible health conditions, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Considerations
Treating your nails gently can reduce nail splitting. Filing minor snags and irregularities can help minimize further damage. Even though biotin deficiencies are unusual among healthy people, some medications, such as antibiotics and anti-convulsant medications can deplete the biotin in your body.
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