Weak fingernails

Hey does any other vegetarian/vegan have weak fingernails? What causes it, and what can I do about it?

My nails seem to bend very easily, and hurt when, lets say opening up mail or prying something open. There are vertical lines and bends also. When I used to eat meat 4 years ago, my nails were very healthy. So I'm thinking that perhaps it's due to a lack of protein in my diet. However, websites on the Internet also imply that it may be due to a lack of minerals in ones diet (e.g., zinc) which contribute to the health of nails. And the health of your fingernails indicate your health status tremendously.

Thanks in advance

You are probably lacking zinc.

Read this!

I'm vegan and I have never had a problem with my nails.

I don't know any other vegans personally, but I do know quite a few veggys.

As far I know no one has any problems. :/

Mine sometimes get that way. Some additionally protein and multi-vitamins seem to help.

I have terrible nails. They bend, split,etc.  They did this when I was on an all meat diet.  I tried every fix there was and nothing helped.  I am vegan(mostly) now and wear artificial nails.

My parents were mentioning this over Christmas dinner.  They've both started taking gellatin supplements and the problem solved itself in about a month.  Eating regular jello contains gellatin so that would work.

Weak fingernails are also a sign of iron deficiency

Original Post by smwhipple:

My parents were mentioning this over Christmas dinner.  They've both started taking gellatin supplements and the problem solved itself in about a month.  Eating regular jello contains gellatin so that would work.

Though this solution does seem to work for many people, the problem is that gelatin is not vegetarian-friendly, unless there is a veg-friendly substitute out there...I'll have to research.

Original Post by brighteyes82:

Original Post by smwhipple:

My parents were mentioning this over Christmas dinner.  They've both started taking gellatin supplements and the problem solved itself in about a month.  Eating regular jello contains gellatin so that would work.

Though this solution does seem to work for many people, the problem is that gelatin is not vegetarian-friendly, unless there is a veg-friendly substitute out there...I'll have to research.

well im not sure if it really helps nails, but agar is a veg form of gelatin. its great for making jellos & thickening up soups n stuff. usually for veg ideas, i turn to some asian cultures. altho now im a pescetarian, got caught up in the sushi stuff. oh and also the native south american cultures are good to turn to as well to further enhance a veg diet.

I had weak nails even before I became vegan. I personally think (in my case) that is is just hereditary.