What vitamin deficiency causes brittle nails?

B complex vitamins (especially biotin), calcium, and zinc have all been implicated. There are other medical conditions which can cause brittle nails such as anemia (low blood count), thyroid disorders, and skin disorders such as lichen planus and psoriasis. read more

Most cases of brittle, splitting and peeling nails aren't due to a vitamin deficiency. Onychoschizia, the medical term for splitting nails, affects more women than men and typically results from excessive exposure to water or harsh, drying chemicals, such as nail polish remover and dish detergents. read more

Vitamin C deficiency can result in brittle nails and cause the growth of both your hair and fingernails to slow down. Vitamin C is essential to the production of collagen, which is a component of hair, skin, and fingernails. read more

Vitamin C deficiency: Fraying, pitted, split nails, frequent occurrence of hang nails Vitamin D deficiency: Brittle, peeling or cracking nails Lack of zinc, iron, protein, and calcium could also result in weak and brittle nails. read more