If your nails show these symptoms, you may be deficient in vitamin B12

According to the US National Institutes of Health (NIH), B12 is an essential vitamin that plays a role in keeping nerves and blood cells in the body healthy, and also helps make DNA. B12 also helps prevent a type of anemia called megaloblastic anemia, which causes fatigue and weakness.

Why is there a vitamin B12 deficiency in the body?

Anemia is an autoimmune condition that makes it difficult for the small intestine to absorb vitamin B12. Additionally, people with intestinal damage or those who have undergone surgery such as a gastrectomy or partial bowel resection also have difficulty absorbing this essential vitamin.

Vitamin B12 is found in animal-based foods such as fish, beef, poultry, eggs, and dairy products. Insufficient intake of these foods can lead to vitamin B12 deficiency.

Factors such as age (over 60 years), pregnancy, breastfeeding, other medical conditions, and long-term use of certain medications such as blood sugar-lowering drugs or acid reflux medications can also cause vitamin B12 deficiency.

Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency can be seen in the nails.

Weak and brittle nails: When the body is deficient in this essential vitamin even for a day, the nails become weak and brittle. This brittleness may be due to the breakdown and uneven distribution of the protein keratin that makes up the nails.

Yellow or discolored nails: Healthy nails are usually pink due to good blood circulation. A vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to a lack of red blood cells, which can make your nails appear yellow or bluish.

Slow nail growth: Vitamin B12 plays an important role in cell production and regeneration, so if your nails are growing noticeably slower, it could be a sign that you need to supplement your body with this essential vitamin.

White spots on nails: While these spots can appear for a number of reasons, including injury, persistent white spots could indicate a nutritional deficiency.

Pitting nails: Small pits or depressions on the surface of your nails can affect the nails and their overall strength, so see a doctor if this condition persists.

Changes in nail texture: Healthy nails are smooth and even, but if your nails suddenly become rough, listen to your body. You may be deficient in vitamin B12.

Nail fungus: People with vitamin B12 deficiency may be more prone to nail fungus. With a weakened immune system, discolored or thickened nails, it's time to see a doctor.

How can I increase my vitamin B12 intake?

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to maintain healthy blood levels of vitamin B12, an adult's daily intake should be 5.94 mcg for men and 3.78 mcg for women.

For pregnant and breastfeeding women, a daily supplement of at least 2.6 mcg of B12 should be taken to ensure optimal fetal growth and development.

The human body does not produce vitamin B12 itself and must be obtained through food and beverages. Vitamin B12 is found in foods of animal origin, including meat, fish, poultry, eggs, and milk, and can also be found in fortified foods such as some cereals, breads, and nutritional yeast.

We can provide vitamin B12 through food sources such as beef liver, clams, tuna, yogurt, eggs, chicken, and can also be found in fortified foods such as some cereals, breads, and nutritional yeast. Additionally, multivitamins, B-complex supplements, or medications containing only B12 can be used.

To prevent vitamin B12 deficiency, avoid strict diets for long periods of time, as any diet can lead to health problems and deficiencies of certain vitamins.

6 easy tips to make your nails beautiful

Take a close look at your nails. Do they look strong and healthy? Or do you see white spots and pits in them? Do they break easily? If yes, then it means that you are not taking proper care of your nails. Nails need proper care and cleaning for their proper growth. Nails also need nutrition like the rest of the body. They also represent your overall physical health. If your nails are not healthy, it means that your body is not getting the nutrition it needs.

With these simple recipes, you can see your nails shiny and strong:

1. Use a creamy hand wash

Dry nails cause many defects in them. For healthy nails, they must be moisturized. Instead of chemical hand washes, use a good natural antibacterial wash that contains tea tree or yucca oils.

2. Avoiding too hot and cold water

Extremely hot or cold temperatures are harmful to nails. Always wash your hands with lukewarm water. Too hot water damages your nails. The veins in your nails swell with hot or cold water and your nails turn red.

3. Moderate use of nail polish

Always use good quality nail polish that does not contain harmful chemicals. Do not leave nail polish on for long periods of time. Also use a mild thinner to remove nail polish. Nail polish remover should be acetone-free. After removing the polish, wash your hands thoroughly, dry them with a towel, and apply a good moisturizer and baby oil.

4. Care for injuries and wounds

Try not to injure your nails. If you get any injuries, see a doctor immediately. Do not use any chemicals on your nails until the injury heals. Even a small cut on your nails can lead to fungus or infection.

5. Cleaning nails

To keep your fingernails and toenails clean, take lukewarm water in a tub, add a spoonful of salt to it and soak your hands and feet in it for about ten minutes. Then clean with a soft sponge. Soak cotton in lemon juice and apply it on your nails. After drying your hands and feet, apply a good cold cream on your hands and feet. You can also use almond or coconut oil. Trim your nails with a nail clipper. This will make your nails soft and shiny.

6. Bad habit of cutting nails

Cut nails with your teeth is a very bad habit. This makes your nails look ugly. And if you get an injury to your nails like this, blood starts clotting, which can also lead to infection. Always use a clean nail clipper or scissors to cut your nails.

Along with taking care of your face, hair and hands and feet, cleaning your nails is also important. Most women only pay attention to their nails on speial occasions, while beautiful nails demand attention at all times, so it is not right to neglect them.