Health Tip: What Causes Brittle Nails?

(HealthDay News) -- Brittle nails can be a normal result of aging. Or they can indicate a medical abnormality.

Here is a list of things that can cause your nails to be brittle, weak and break easily, courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine:

• Frequent use of nail polish, remover, hardeners or other cosmetic nail applications.
• Reduced amounts of zinc or iron in the body.
• Problems with the thyroid.

-- Diana Kohnle

Last Updated: Feb. 05, 2007

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