What if your body was subtly sending you warnings about nutritional deficiencies? Brittle nails, skin irritations, or unusual fatigue: these seemingly harmless symptoms sometimes betray a nutritional imbalance. Decipher these bodily messages to better meet your body’s needs.

Brittle nails and dull hair: could it be a biotin deficiency?

Brittle nails may indicate a nutritional deficiency

Do your nails split at the slightest bump, or do your hair lose its vitality? Behind these seemingly minor symptoms may lie a biotin deficiency, also known as vitamin B8. This often overlooked nutrient plays a key role in the health of our hair, nails, and skin. It can be obtained from eggs (especially the yolk), organ meats such as liver, almonds and walnuts, and unrefined grains.

Certain people are at increased risk of deficiency: smokers, pregnant women, or those undergoing prolonged antibiotic treatment. Also, be mindful of excessive consumption of raw egg whites, as they contain a protein (avidin) that blocks the absorption of this valuable vitamin.

Persistent mouth ulcers and chapped lips: a cry for help from B vitamins and iron

These small, recurring mouth ulcers or painful cracks at the corners of the lips shouldn’t be ignored. They are often a warning sign of a deficiency in B vitamins (especially B1, B2, and B6) or iron. Like a warning light flashing on your dashboard, your body is alerting you. To remedy this, favor foods such as legumes (lentils, chickpeas), poultry giblets, eggs, or oilseeds.