Fingernails that break easily may indicate a vitamin A deficiency.

The health of your nails reflects your overall health. Nails that are prone to splitting, breaking, becoming thin, or brittle may be a sign of a lack of vitamin A or systemic malnutrition, aside from certain diseases or infections.

Patients experiencing this should review their dietary habits, such as whether they have a picky appetite or avoid foods rich in vitamin A. It is recommended to consume more vitamin A-rich foods, such as lamb liver, carrots, fish, fruit, etc. Some patients may not have a poor diet but rather a digestive dysfunction, where even after consuming foods rich in vitamin A, absorption is poor. These individuals should seek specialized medical treatment.

Braised Beef and Carrots

Easy splitting, breaking, and other nail issues can also be related to certain diseases. For example, patients with psoriasis may experience dents, cracks, and thickening of their nails. People with diabetes or arteriosclerosis may also find their health problems manifesting in their nails. Furthermore, nail infections can cause these issues; infections caused by *Trichophyton rubrum* or *Candida albicans* can lead to nails becoming thick, grayish-brown, and showing signs of damage or deformation. Additionally, infectious diseases can also lead to nail problems, such as a person with athlete's foot who picks at their feet, potentially spreading the fungal infection to their nails.