In addition to their aesthetic value, your finger and toenails provide insight into your internal health. While a lifestyle that includes a healthy diet and exercise often supports healthy nail growth, a poor diet or lack of physical activity can lead to nail disorders. If you have brittle nails with ridges, you might suffer from an iron deficiency.
Iron and Nails
Iron plays an important role in the health of your nails. Healthy nails contain a number of essential minerals -- including iron -- which all contribute to the strength and integrity of the nail. An iron deficiency affects both the appearance and strength of the nail, causing abnormal ridging at the borders of the fingernail that cause the nail to take on a spoon-like appearance. Individuals with iron-deficiency also grow abnormally thin and brittle nails, prone to splitting or breaking. In addition, the nail bed might appear pale or blue in color, further affecting the health of the nail.
Other Effects of Iron Deficiency
In addition to its effect on your nails, an iron deficiency can lead to other disorders. Specifically, failure to consume enough iron interferes with red blood cell function, and prevents these cells from carrying oxygen to your tissues. As a result, severe iron deficiency can cause anemia, leading to symptoms such as abnormal fatigue, a pale complexion, shortness of breath, irritability and weakness.
Recommended Intake for Healthy Nails
You can help restore healthy nail growth by consuming adequate iron each day. Your iron requirement differs depending on your gender and age. Most adult men and post-menopausal women should consume 8 mg of iron daily, while most menopausal women need 18 mg, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. If you suffer from an iron deficiency, taking iron supplements can restore normal iron levels within your body. Consult a physician to determine how to best treat your deficiency.
Other Minerals and Nail Health
While iron deficiency represents a primary cause of nail ridging and brittleness, many other minerals can contribute to your nail health. A study published in the "Journal of Biomedical Optics" in 2011 found that nails contain a variety of minerals, including calcium, magnesium, sodium and silicon. As a result, deficiencies in a number of minerals can potentially affect your nails, causing a range of nail disorders. If you have unhealthy nails, consult a physician to identify the underlying cause and determine an appropriate course of action.
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