Understanding Brittle Nails: What Causes Splitting and Breaking?

Brittle nails, medically known as onychoschizia when they peel in layers or onychorrhexis when they show vertical splits, happen when the nail plate loses moisture or flexibility. Research shows that nails are mostly made of keratin, a tough protein, and they naturally contain about 18% water for optimal strength – drop below 16%, and they become dry and prone to cracking.Common everyday factors that weaken nails include:

Frequent handwashing or exposure to water (like doing dishes without gloves)
Harsh chemicals from cleaners, nail polish removers, or frequent manicures

Dry or cold weather that pulls moisture out of the nail plate
Aging, which naturally makes nails more brittle over time
But sometimes, the issue goes deeper. Studies suggest that certain nutritional patterns can play a role in nail health, especially when the diet lacks key building blocks for keratin production.Buy vitamins and supplements

The Surprising Link Between Nutrition and Nail Strength
Many people are shocked to learn that what you eat (or don’t eat) can show up first in your nails. While most cases of brittle nails aren’t due to severe deficiencies, research has linked low intake of specific nutrients to weaker, more breakable nails.

Here are some nutrients commonly associated with nail health:

Biotin ( Vitamin B7): This B vitamin supports keratin infrastructure. Some older studies have shown that higher biotin intake may help improve nail thickness and reduce brittleness in people with splitting issues.
Iron: Low iron levels are one of the more common nutritional factors tied to brittle nails, especially in women. It helps with oxygen delivery, which supports healthy nail growth.
Protein: Since nails are primarily protein, getting enough from your diet is essential for strong structure.

Other supporting nutrients like zinc and certain B vitamins can also contribute when levels are low.
Keep in mind that true deficiencies are relatively rare in balanced diets, but everyday eating patterns (like skipping meals or limiting variety) can sometimes fall short