Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Thinning Of The Nails Due To Vitamin Deficiency?
Question: My nails, both finger and toe, have been thinning to the point of breaking off into the quick .
My doctor has run labs which only showed high iron and B 12 levels. I have been taking 1000 mg
B12 for a couple of years now. Since the tests I have quit the B12. What is the problem?
My doctor has run labs which only showed high iron and B 12 levels. I have been taking 1000 mg
B12 for a couple of years now. Since the tests I have quit the B12. What is the problem?
Brief Answer:
Detailed evaluation is needed,probably due to vitamin deficiency.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for trusting Healthcaremagic!
I have gone through your query and I can understand your concerns.
As per your description it seems that you are having a clinical condition called "onychoschizia". It is quite common in elderly and we have to do a detailed evaluation to find out what exactly causing the problem.
Vitamin deficiency is the most common cause for brittle nails,especially biotin(vitamin B7) deficiency. Vitamin B12 does not have any direct relation with the health of your nails. Other conditions like hypothyroidism psoriasis have to be ruled out before starting the treatment. Injudicious use of nail polishes can also cause this problem.
I suggest you to do the following as a first line management plan:-
(1)- Stop iron supplements as you may end up in iron overload.
(2)- Have a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals. Include biotin rich foods like eggs, almonds, legumes in your diet. Drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated.
(3)- Repeated wetting of finger nails can also cause thinning of nails. You can wear gloves while performing household activities.
(4)- Do a TFT(thyroid function test) to rule out hypothyroidism.
(5)- Find a fast absorbing moisturizing lotion and apply it at least twice a day.
(6)- Avoid injudicious use of nail polishes and other cosmetic products.
If symptoms persist despite all these, consult a dermatologist for detailedd evaluation to rule out conditions like psoriasis and lichen planus which can also present like this in early stages.
Regards.
Dr.Shinas Hussain
Detailed evaluation is needed,probably due to vitamin deficiency.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for trusting Healthcaremagic!
I have gone through your query and I can understand your concerns.
As per your description it seems that you are having a clinical condition called "onychoschizia". It is quite common in elderly and we have to do a detailed evaluation to find out what exactly causing the problem.
Vitamin deficiency is the most common cause for brittle nails,especially biotin(vitamin B7) deficiency. Vitamin B12 does not have any direct relation with the health of your nails. Other conditions like hypothyroidism psoriasis have to be ruled out before starting the treatment. Injudicious use of nail polishes can also cause this problem.
I suggest you to do the following as a first line management plan:-
(1)- Stop iron supplements as you may end up in iron overload.
(2)- Have a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals. Include biotin rich foods like eggs, almonds, legumes in your diet. Drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated.
(3)- Repeated wetting of finger nails can also cause thinning of nails. You can wear gloves while performing household activities.
(4)- Do a TFT(thyroid function test) to rule out hypothyroidism.
(5)- Find a fast absorbing moisturizing lotion and apply it at least twice a day.
(6)- Avoid injudicious use of nail polishes and other cosmetic products.
If symptoms persist despite all these, consult a dermatologist for detailedd evaluation to rule out conditions like psoriasis and lichen planus which can also present like this in early stages.
Regards.
Dr.Shinas Hussain
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
