Understanding What Vitamin Deficiency Causes Vertical Nail Ridges

October 31, 2025 •

4 min read

While subtle vertical nail ridges are a common sign of aging, deeper or more pronounced ridges can indicate an underlying health issue. Specifically, a deficiency in key nutrients like iron or vitamin B12 is frequently linked to the development of these grooves.

Quick Summary

Vertical nail ridges can be caused by nutrient deficiencies like iron and vitamin B12, though aging is also a common factor. Other causes, including systemic health conditions, can also be responsible for nail irregularities. A proper diagnosis from a healthcare provider is recommended to determine the underlying reason. Home care, a balanced diet, and addressing the root cause can improve nail health.

Key Points

Iron Deficiency: A common cause of vertical nail ridges, iron deficiency impairs oxygen transport to the nail matrix, resulting in brittle nails with prominent lines.
Vitamin B12: Low levels of vitamin B12 can cause nail abnormalities, including brittleness, discoloration, and vertical ridging, due to its role in cell growth.
Normal Aging: Many people develop fine vertical ridges as they age, a natural process caused by the nail matrix's slowing cell turnover.
Dehydration and Trauma: External factors like dehydration, overexposure to water or chemicals, and repeated trauma can also cause or worsen nail ridges.
Medical Consultation: If ridges appear suddenly or are accompanied by other symptoms, it is essential to consult a healthcare provider to rule out underlying health conditions such as thyroid disease or anemia.

The Connection Between Nutrition and Nail Health

Nails are made of keratin, a fibrous structural protein that requires proper nutrition to be strong and resilient. When the body lacks essential vitamins and minerals, the growth process can be disrupted, leading to the development of vertical nail ridges (also known as longitudinal ridging) or other abnormalities. While aging is the most common cause of these ridges, persistent or new ridges should prompt an evaluation of nutritional intake.

Iron Deficiency and Vertical Ridges

One of the most well-documented nutritional causes of vertical nail ridges is iron deficiency, which can lead to iron-deficiency anemia. Iron is crucial for transporting oxygen to cells, including those in the nail matrix, where new nail tissue is formed. A lack of iron impairs this oxygen delivery, which can result in brittle, fragile nails with pronounced vertical lines. In severe cases, iron deficiency can also lead to koilonychia, or 'spoon nails,' where the nail plate becomes thin and concave.

Vitamin B12 and Nail Changes

Vitamin B12 is another essential nutrient whose deficiency can affect nail health. This vitamin is vital for cell growth and division, processes necessary for healthy nail formation. When B12 is lacking, nail abnormalities can appear, such as brittleness and changes in color. In some instances, B12 deficiency can contribute to the appearance of vertical ridging and dark, vertical streaks on the nails due to impaired pigmentation.

The Roles of Other Vitamins and Minerals

While iron and vitamin B12 are primary suspects, other nutrients also play a role in maintaining nail integrity:

Zinc: This mineral is involved in cell growth and is essential for producing keratin. A zinc deficiency can cause horizontal ridges (Beau's lines) and white spots on the nails, in addition to contributing to vertical ridging.
Biotin (Vitamin B7): Often hailed for its role in hair, skin, and nails, biotin is a key component in keratin production. Studies suggest that biotin supplementation can improve nail strength and thickness, particularly in those with brittle nails.
Folic Acid (Vitamin B9): Similar to B12, a folic acid deficiency can lead to anemia and irregular nail formation.

Nutrient Deficiencies vs. Other Causes

It is important to remember that vertical nail ridges have multiple causes. While nutritional deficiencies are a possibility, several other factors can be responsible. A medical evaluation is necessary to differentiate between them.

Comparison of Causes for Vertical Nail Ridges


Cause	Description	Key Indicators	Commonality	Importance of Medical Check
Normal Aging	Gradual slowing of cell turnover in the nail matrix.	Fine, uniform vertical lines on all nails.	Very Common	Low, unless accompanied by other symptoms.
Nutrient Deficiencies	Lack of essential nutrients, particularly iron and vitamin B12.	Deeper, more pronounced ridges; often accompanied by other deficiency symptoms (fatigue, pallor, etc.).	Common	High, to diagnose and treat the deficiency.
Dehydration	The nail plate becomes dry and brittle due to insufficient moisture.	More noticeable ridges, along with brittle, peeling nails.	Common	Low, can often be addressed with lifestyle changes.
Skin Conditions	Inflammatory conditions like eczema or psoriasis affecting the nail matrix.	Pitting, discoloration, or other specific nail changes in addition to ridges.	Moderate	High, requires treatment for the underlying condition.
Chronic Illness	Conditions like thyroid disease, kidney disease, or poor circulation.	Other systemic symptoms alongside nail changes.	Less Common	High, as it indicates a serious underlying issue.

What You Can Do at Home

Before assuming a vitamin deficiency is the cause, consider making some simple changes to your nail care routine:

Protect Your Nails: Wear gloves when doing dishes or using harsh cleaning chemicals to minimize nail plate dehydration.
Moisturize Regularly: Applying a high-quality hand cream or cuticle oil can help hydrate the nails and cuticles.
Gentle Buffing: Gently buffing the nail surface can help smooth out the appearance of mild ridges, but this should be done sparingly to avoid weakening the nail.
Review Your Diet: Focus on a balanced diet rich in iron, zinc, protein, and B-vitamins to support overall nail health.

Conclusion

Vertical nail ridges are a common and often harmless sign of aging, but they can also signal underlying issues, including vitamin deficiencies. Iron deficiency anemia and low levels of vitamin B12 are notable nutritional causes that disrupt the nail's growth process, leading to ridging and other abnormalities. When evaluating the cause, it is important to consider all possibilities, from simple dehydration to chronic illness. While gentle home care can help manage the appearance of ridges, a persistent or sudden change in nail texture warrants a consultation with a healthcare provider. A doctor can perform necessary tests, such as a blood count and iron panel, to identify any deficiencies or other conditions and recommend the appropriate course of treatment. Taking a holistic approach that includes a nutrient-rich diet, proper nail care, and professional guidance is the most effective way to restore your nail health.

Frequently Asked Questions

While not a vitamin, iron deficiency is the most commonly cited nutritional cause of vertical nail ridges. Among vitamins, a deficiency in vitamin B12 can also lead to this condition.

No, vertical nail ridges are a normal part of the aging process for many people and are often harmless. However, if they appear suddenly, are very deep, or are accompanied by other symptoms, it is wise to consult a doctor.

Vertical ridges (longitudinal ridging) run from the cuticle to the nail tip and are typically age-related. Horizontal ridges (Beau's lines) run across the nail and are often caused by a temporary interruption of nail growth due to illness, trauma, or stress.

A balanced diet rich in protein, iron (lean meats, legumes), B-vitamins (eggs, nuts), and zinc (meat, poultry, nuts) can support healthy nail growth. Staying hydrated is also crucial.

Biotin plays a role in producing keratin, and supplements have been shown to improve nail strength and thickness in some cases, particularly for brittle nails. However, its effectiveness for ridging depends on whether a biotin deficiency is the cause.

Yes, dehydration can cause the nail plate to become dry and brittle, which can make existing vertical ridges more pronounced. Keeping your nails and cuticles moisturized is important for nail hydration.

You should see a healthcare provider if your nail ridges are accompanied by other changes such as discoloration, significant brittleness, or if you have other symptoms like fatigue. This helps determine if there is an underlying condition like anemia or thyroid disease.