Aoife Hearne: What can my teen do to strengthen her brittle nails?

Aoife Hearne: "The body needs a mix of vitamins and minerals, as well as adequate protein, to grow strong and healthy nails. This is especially important for teenagers, who are experiencing rapid growth and development."

My 13-year-old’s nails keep breaking, and have recently developed ridges. She’s always been a picky eater, and it looks like it’s catching up with her. What foods should she eat, and would it help if she took a supplement?

Nails that split, peel, or break easily are common complaints that can often reflect dietary inadequacies. Nail beds continually produce nail tissue, and like all tissue in our body, adequate vitamin, mineral, and nutrient intakes are essential for the growth, formation, and strength of new nail cells. Nails are made primarily of keratin, a protein found in hair and skin.