Natural health: Nutrition and hormones affect nail health

Age could be more of a key to the root cause of nail troubles rather than diet and garlic can be used to treat or prevent ear infections

B-vitamins are wonderful when it comes to strengthening brittle nails, with biotin having a particularly impressive effect. Picture: iStock 

My nails have become brittle in the past few months. My diet hasn’t changed — if anything it improved during lockdown as I’d more time to prepare meals. I’m a woman in my early 50s. Do I need to take a supplement?

A. Your age might be more of a key to the root cause of your nail troubles rather than your diet. Poor nail health, as you are aware, is typically associated with nutrient deficiencies. What is less well known is how significant a role hormones play in the strength and appearance of our nails (along with hair and skin).