Weak, brittle, easily broken, pale, discolored or slow-growing nails... are warning signs that the body is lacking vitamin B12.
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According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), B12 is an essential vitamin that helps keep nerve and blood cells in the body healthy and helps make DNA. B12 also helps prevent a type of anemia called megaloblastic anemia that causes fatigue and weakness.
Why is the body deficient in vitamin B12?
Anemia is an immune condition that makes it difficult for the small intestine to absorb vitamin B12. In addition, people with intestinal damage or who have undergone surgery such as a gastrectomy or partial bowel resection... also have difficulty absorbing this essential vitamin.
Vitamin B12 is found in animal foods, such as fish, meat, poultry, eggs and milk, and an inadequate intake of these foods can lead to vitamin B12 deficiency.
Factors such as age (over 60 years old), pregnancy, breastfeeding, other medical conditions and long-term use of certain medications such as hypoglycemic drugs, acid reflux treatment... are also causes of vitamin B12 deficiency.
Signs of B12 deficiency through fingernails
Weak and Brittle Nails: When the body lacks this essential vitamin, nails become weak and brittle. This brittle condition can be caused by the protein layer that makes up the nail, the Keratin structure, being broken down and divided unevenly.
Pale or discolored nails : Healthy nails are usually pink due to good blood circulation. A deficiency in Vitamin B12 can lead to a lack of red blood cells, causing nails to look pale or even bluish.
Slow nail growth: Vitamin B12 plays an important role in cell production and regeneration, so when your nail growth slows down significantly, it could be a sign that you need to supplement your body with this essential vitamin.
White spots on nails: While these spots can appear for a variety of reasons, including injury, persistent white spots can indicate an underlying nutritional deficiency.
Nail pitting: Small pits or dents on the nail surface can affect the nail and its overall strength, so consult a doctor if the condition persists.
Changes in nail texture: In a healthy body, nails will be smooth and even, but if your nails suddenly become rough, listen to your body, you may be deficient in vitamin B12.
Nail fungus: People with vitamin B12 deficiency may be more susceptible to nail fungus. If your immune system is weakened, if your nails become discolored or thickened, it's time to see a doctor.
How to supplement vitamin B12?
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to maintain healthy blood B12 levels, an adult's daily intake should always be 5.94 mcg for men and 3.78 mcg for women.
For pregnant and lactating women, it is necessary to supplement at least 2.6 mcg of B12 per day to best ensure the growth and development of the fetus.
The human body does not produce vitamin B12 on its own and must be supplemented through food and drinks. Vitamin B12 is found in foods of animal origin, including meat, fish, poultry, eggs, milk and can be found in fortified foods such as some cereals, breads and nutritional yeast.
We can get vitamin B12 through food sources such as beef liver, clams, tuna, yogurt, eggs, chicken and can be found in fortified foods such as some cereals, breads and nutritional yeast. Additionally, multivitamins, B-complex supplements or pills containing only B12 can be used.
And to limit vitamin B12 deficiency, you should not follow a strict diet for a long time, because any diet will lead to certain health problems and vitamin deficiencies.
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