12 Surprising Causes of Spoon-Shaped Nails (Koilonychia)

Lisette Marie

11. Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Assortment of healthy vitamin B12, cobalamin source food. Photo Credit: Envato @antoninavlasova

Vitamin B12 deficiency can contribute to a range of nail abnormalities, including koilonychia. This essential vitamin plays a key role in the production of red blood cells and the maintenance of healthy tissues. A deficiency in B12 leads to megaloblastic anemia, characterized by the production of abnormally large and ineffective red blood cells, which reduces oxygen delivery to peripheral tissues like the nail beds. This can result in brittle, spoon-shaped nails. Including vitamin B12-rich foods, such as meat, fish, eggs, and fortified cereals, or taking supplements can help correct the deficiency and improve nail health.

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11. Vitamin B12 Deficiency

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