Do your fingernails split in layers?

Are you getting enough animal protein? Are you sure?

What about fatty acids? How do you know?

Not getting enough animal protein in your diet could be contributing to week and splitting fingernails. Animal protein produces collagen. Collagen creates your hair and nails. How much protein are you eating each day, and how much should you be eating?

Research has shown that women should be eating at least 4 oz (28 g) of animal protein 2 x a day. Nutritionist will encourage women to consume animal protein 5 x a day. Which breaks down to 4 oz (28 g) of animal protein 3 x a day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) and 2 oz (14 g) of animal protein 2 x a day (morning snack and afternoon snack).

But what if you feel that you are getting enough animal protein in your daily diet? Then take a look at your B vitamin intake. Sometimes splitting fingernails can be a sign of Vitamin B deficiency. It may be best to get your labs done if they haven’t been done recently.

One other area to take a look at would be your Omega 6 GLA (gamma-Linolenic acid) fatty acid intake. A deficiency in fatty acids could also be the culprit when it comes to splitting fingernails. You may want to take a look at adding a quality Omega 6 GLA fatty acid supplement. While Omega 6 is an essential fatty acid it’s not one that our bodies can produce on it’s own and our bodies rely on getting it through our foods or through supplementation.