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Science Photo Library/Science Photo Library/GettyImages Cracked and split fingernails are not necessarily caused by a miss of protein in the diet. They ‘re normally caused by environmental factors. An iron deficiency is the most likely nutritional lawsuit and can be improved by boosting both iron and biotin in the diet — nutrients found in some protein-rich foods .
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It ‘s highly unlikely that your cracked or split nails are ascribable to a protein insufficiency. But they may be caused by a lack of iron in your diet .

Vertical Cracks in Nails

Ridges that run lengthways from the establish of the nail to the tip can be a symptom of autoimmune disease, particularly if there are multiple ridges that make striations across the wholly surface of the breeze through. Cracks can form with the ridges, particularly at the tip off of the breeze through .
ad A single, central ridge or erect crack in a smash is more probable to be the result of injury rather than an indicator of disease. however, a cardinal ridge or fissure can besides indicate a dietary deficiency in iron .

Excess Moisture and Dryness

Nails can crack and split when they become besides wet or excessively dry. Exposing the hands to cycles of wetting and drying during family chores, like dishwashing, takes a price on fingernails. Nails that get wet besides frequently become cushy and unaccented .
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Dry heat and low humidity during winter are distinctive causes of crack, divide fingernails. moisture evaporates easily from nails, and low humidity and temperature extremes contribute to nail dehydration. Nails that are excessively dry become brittle .
Using chemical cleaners and acetone nail polish remover can besides result in chapped, brittle nails. Avoid mechanical injury to nails by wearing gloves when washing dishes and for other clean chores, and choose a nonacetone polish remover. Hand sanitizers can besides dry out nails and cause them to split .
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Dietary Deficiency and Split Fingernails

Less coarse than mechanical trauma, food deficiencies can besides lead to brittle nails. According to the american Osteopathic College of Dermatology, moo cast-iron is typically the perpetrator for brittle nails caused by a insufficiency. Increase the iron in your diet by eating more :

• Meat
• Poultry
• Seafood
• Legumes
• Dark, leafy greens

Read more: Iron Deficiency and Nail Changes

Supplements: A Proactive Approach

Biotin is a necessity alimentary for healthy smash formation and growth. Taking a biotin supplement may help strengthen fingernails and prevent burst and break through. Supplementing with 2 to 3 milligrams per day can improve brittle fingernails after six months of daily function, according to the american Osteopathic College of Dermatology .
If no improvement is discernible after six months of supplementation, biotin is credibly not the solution. pregnant women should avoid taking auxiliary biotin .

Misconceptions About Protein Deficiency

While cracked nails are not caused by a protein insufficiency per selenium, they may result from a deficiency in nutrients associated with high-protein foods. The sum of protein consumed may be sufficient, but the types of proteins consumed may result in an iron or biotin lack .
Biotin much binds with proteins, so some protein-rich foods are besides rich in biotin. good dietary sources of biotin include egg yolks and liver. Nonmeat sources of biotin include nuts, legumes and dairy products. Many foods high in iron are besides good sources of protein, such as meats and fish .
Read more: Foods For Nail Growth

Dietary Protein Requirements

Americans by and large do n’t have disturb getting adequate protein in their diets. The commend sum of protein is about 0.8 gram per kilogram of body weight or 0.36 gram per pound. For case, a 165-pound person should consume about 60 grams of protein per day .
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