Brittle nails: which mineral deficiency?

Iron deficiency may be considered when nails are fragile, spoon-shaped, or changing alongside tiredness, breathlessness, or pale skin. Low intake, poor absorption, blood loss, restrictive eating, and some digestive conditions can affect nutrient status. Zinc and other nutrients may also be relevant in selected situations, but brittle nails commonly have non-nutritional explanations such as water exposure, chemical irritation, trauma, eczema, psoriasis, or fungal infection. A fungal infection may cause thickening, crumbling, or colour change; see [Nail Fungus](/conditions/nail-fungus/).

Continue a varied diet with protein-rich foods, vegetables, grains, and sources of iron such as legumes, meat, or fortified foods where suitable for you. Avoid taking iron, zinc, or combination supplements simply because nails are brittle; excess intake can cause harm and may hide the real problem. A clinician can review your diet, symptoms, medicines, and health history, then choose blood tests when indicated. Protect nails from detergents and repeated soaking while the cause is being assessed.

Book a medical review if brittle nails persist despite gentler nail care, occur with marked fatigue or unexplained weight change, or affect many nails. Seek earlier advice for dizziness, breathlessness, unusual bleeding, or a nail that is painful, inflamed, discoloured, or lifting. These features need assessment rather than self-treatment with supplements.

Ask which deficiency is plausible from your symptoms and diet, whether testing is needed before supplements, how to take any recommended product safely, and whether another nail or skin condition could explain the change.