[anatta]

I notice that since becoming veg(around the time, at least) my fingernails have been in really poor shape. It's hard to explain exactly what happens. They break off into layers which come off(think sheets coming off a bed) in pieces and leave no strength in the nails. It's especially in the pointer and middle fingernails. I only paint my nails once a week, which I'd been doing for at least a year before going veg without problems. I get about 10% of my calories from protein, which I thought was enough. I also get enough fat, at least 15% of my calories, and take multivitamins. I can't see what I'm doing wrong and would really appreciate some help, because the problem just seems to be getting worse. Thanks.. I don't know what else to do but post here.

 

[ketivnilloc]

15% calories seems a bit low. most things i've read says 35% calories from fat

 

[bekajoi]

calcium is a big thing... and I'd keep an eye on your hair as well since it is made from the same stuff: dead cells.

My nails are brittle or spotty if my calcium intake is getting low-ish. It's a good thing to watch.

The multivitamin is a good start, and at the worst, go to your doc for a yearly exam and have them do a blood work up to see if you are deficient in anything.

 

[karenlovessnow]

That's interesting because my nails are actually better since going vegan!

 

[Brandon]

Quote:

Originally Posted by karenlovessnow

That's interesting because my nails are actually better since going vegan!

Mine grow faster than ever since I went vegan.

 

[Elijah]

Silica (horsetail extract) in a multi-vitamin can help as well.

http://www.wikigreen.org/~wikigree/index.php/Horsetail

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/q...=pubmed_docsum

 

[rabid_child]

Maybe vitamin e or fatty acids?

My nails grow like crazy. I need to trim them constantly.

 

[DoveInGrey]

Eat plenty of avocadoes and olives, as well as nuts and seeds for those good fats *nods*

 

[sushi8kat]

I have to agree about the calcium. I'd think that was the likely culprit, but I'm not an expert and just speak from personal experience. It may be something else as well. Try taking a vegan calcium and D supplement along with your multi and see if that helps.

 

[anatta]

Thanks guys =) I think it may be calcium.. I do get 100% from supplements, but I've heard they don't absorb well..

 

[Saravisiae]

Zinc is quite an important mineral for nails, is this included in your supplement?

Also are you getting the right balance of Omega 3 to 6 (ALA to LA)? If not try either eating ground linseeds or linseed oil.

With calcium, your supplements should not give you 100% of the RDA. Experts agree that the proportion of calcium absorbed decreases the more calcium is eaten at any one time. Try eating calcium rich foods throughout the day such as green leafy veg (such as kale and brocolli NOT spinach as contrary to popular belief it has too much oxalic acid to be a good source of either iron or calcium) dried figs or fortified products.

 

[queenfluff]

I used to paint my nails every week when I was a hair dresser back like almost 20 years ago (eek! I am old!).

Anyhow, my nails were always thin and in bad shape. So, I would paint them and add false nails, paint on that stuff that is supposed to make your nails thick and strong. One day, I stopped and they started growing thick and like weeds. (it took a several months for them to recover).

Nail polish and the removers contain tons of bad stuff that will dry out your nails and make them week and thin and break off. Don't be fooled by those 'nail strenghteners' either.

If you want to keep painting your nails, try to find stuff without the chemicals in it (acetone is horrible!). I believe vegan essentials sells removers and polishes. But IMHO, to stop painting your nails will be the best thing you can do for them.

One thing too is that before I went vegan is I used to have those white 'calcium' stains on my nails. They are gone now.

 

[Seusomon]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ketivnilloc

15% calories seems a bit low. most things i've read says 35% calories from fat

Nah. 35% is a maximum; 15% should be just fine. Like some others here, my bets on calcium.

 

[Alli]

Quote:

That's interesting because my nails are actually better since going vegan!

Mine too... But then again, I'm actually getting more calcium since going vegan, because my orange juice (which I drink at least 2 glasses a day of) and my rice milk (which I drink at least 3 glasses a day of) are both fortified with calcium. So I'm guessing it's the calcium thing.

 

[starseed13]

The only thing Ive ever noticed REALLY is important for nails is taking plenty of essential fatty acids..I notice a big difference if I dont take them. Also just eating plenty of good foods and good nutrient intake over all..

 

[eggplant]

Another vote here for calcium. After I started taking a calcium supplement, my nails became much stronger. I take a multi in the morning and a calcium in the evening. I also either eat something rich in vitamin C with the calcium, or take a vitamin C pill with it. I try to get a lot of calcium in my diet, but I think I just don't like to eat enough dark, leafy greens to get enough without supplementation.

 

[MmmmVeggies]

My gf's nails are *better* and mine are the same... interesting... hers are better bc she's stopped biting them... I don't know if it's related to her diet change or her being around here less than her house (and therefore away from her mom and less stressed). I know I have had improved mental health since going Vegan.

I would go with the calcium theory I think.