Both your fingernails and skin can provide visual clues as to your overall health. By examining the shape, color, texture and thickness of your skin and nails, your physician can generally identify health problems, including vitamin deficiencies. This can be helpful, particularly if you have other symptoms that correlate with a deficiency of a specific vitamin. Blood testing and subsequent supplementation if necessary can help reverse a vitamin deficiency, which can be evident by signs like ridging in the nails and skin that is dry and flakes off easily. Check with your doctor if you are concerned about the condition of your nails or skin.
Vitamin B-2 Deficiency
Vitamin B-2, also known as riboflavin, is involved in the metabolism of several other vitamins and minerals including iron, according to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University. A deficiency of vitamin B-2 is characterized by a moist scaling of the skin known as seborrheic dermatitis. Individuals with alcoholism, anorexia or lactose intolerance are at highest risk for a deficiency of vitamin B-2; however, it can also occur in people with absorption problems. If left untreated, a riboflavin deficiency can lead to deficiencies of other water-soluble vitamins, causing slowed growth and repair of the skin, nails and other tissues.
Zinc Deficiency
Zinc is a mineral that helps maintain the integrity of your immune system, growth and development and your senses of taste and smell. A deficiency of this mineral, according to the National Institutes of Health, can cause you to develop dry skin that cracks into open sores or lesions on your skin that don't heal or heal very slowly. Additionally, if left untreated for long periods of time, zinc deficiency can impair the growth of your nails. Although you can correct the deficiency by eating foods that are rich in zinc such as chicken breast, cashews or yogurt, it takes awhile for your nails to grow properly again. As a result, you may see ridges in between periods of healthy nail growth, indicating the periods of deficiency.
Vitamin A Deficiency
Vitamin A helps keep your skin healthy, especially in the wake of sun exposure that can cause premature aging. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, excessive UV exposure, which can occur from the sun or tanning beds, can cause a deficiency of vitamin A. This deficiency appears in the form of dry skin and increased wrinkling, as well as the development of age, or liver, spots on the skin. Avoiding excessive UV exposure can help decrease the damage; however, your body still requires vitamin A to maintain healthy skin. MedlinePlus explains that sources of vitamin A include fortified cereals and milk, as well as eggs and brightly colored fruits and vegetables.
Vitamin C Deficiency
Vitamin C is important for your body's synthesis of a substance called collagen. Collagen is used by your body to manufacturer hair, skin, nails and connective tissues. A deficiency of vitamin C is not common; however, it can occur in people with compromised immune systems or nutrient absorption problems. As a result of a deficiency, collagen production diminishes and nail growth may become impaired, causing ridging. Additionally, because your skin is made of collagen, a deficiency can lead to skin that is easily bruised and prone to bleeding, cracking and dryness. Consuming foods that are rich in vitamin C, including fresh fruits and vegetables, can help reverse the symptoms of a deficiency.
References
- MedlinePlus; Nail abnormalities; Michael Lehrer, M.D.; April 2009
- Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University; Vitamin C; Victoria J. Drake, Ph.D.; November 2009
- MedlinePlus; Vitamin A; Alison Evert, M.S., R.D., C.D.E.; February 2011
- Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University; Riboflavin; Victoria J. Drake, Ph.D.; June 2007
- National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements; Zinc; April 2011
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Skin wrinkles and blemishes; Harvey Simon, M.D.; December 2008
