Sign 4. Brittle Nails and Hair: Fragile Signs of Iron Deficiency
Your nails and hair aren’t just for aesthetics; they can serve as indicators of your overall health. If you’ve noticed your hair becoming thinner and your nails breaking easily, it could be due to an iron deficiency.
Iron helps to nourish your cells, including those responsible for hair and nail growth. With less iron, these cells might not get the nutrients they need, leading to brittle nails and hair loss.
You may notice vertical ridges on your nails or hair falling out more than usual. While everyone experiences minor hair shedding and nail breakage, it’s crucial to take note when these symptoms become more severe.
These symptoms are often dismissed as signs of aging or stress. But they can also indicate a deficiency in iron. It’s easy to ignore these subtle changes, especially since they can occur gradually over time. (4)
