What your nails say about your health

Nails are composed mainly of keratin, a type of protein. Healthy nails are light pink, indicating a rich blood supply. Nutritional deficiencies often show up in changes or abnormalities of the nails.

• Hangnails are often caused by a lack of protein.
• White bands across the nails are an indication of protein deficiencies.
• Dry nails can mean an insufficient intake of vitamin B12.
• Spoon nails (nails that develop in a concave shape), fragility or vertical ridges are caused by a deficiency of Vitamin B.
• White spots indicate a zinc deficiency.
• Brittle nails may be indicative of circulatory problems, iron deficiency, impaired kidney function or thyroid problems.
• Chipped, cracked, easily broken or peeled nails may be indicative of a nutritional deficiency such as minerals, protein or insufficient amounts of hydrochloric acid.
• Dark Nails may be indicative of a Vitamin B12 deficiency. May also indicate anemia.
• Deep blue nails may indicate a pulmonary obstruction such as asthma or emphysema.
• A downward curvature of the nail may be indicative of heart, liver or respiratory disorders.
• Frayed nails or split ends could indicate psoriasis or a folic acid, protein and/or Vitamin C deficiency.
• Ridges up and down the nail may be indicative of developing arthritis.
• Nails that are separate from the nailbed could indicate a thyroid condition.
• Spoon shaped nails or thin might be a sign of Vitamin B12 deficiency.
• White lines across the nails may be indicative of liver disease or a condition of the liver.
• White nails may be indicative of possible kidney or liver dysfunction. May also indicate anemia.
• Yellow nails (if not caused from smoking) may be indicative of internal disorders long before symptoms show up elsewhere in the body (diabetes, liver, lymphatic or respiratory conditions).