Question

My 8-month-old baby’s nails always crack, sometimes even cutting into the flesh. What nutrient deficiency could be causing this? The six-month-old health check did not show anemia, and the bone-related enzyme test was also normal. Now at eight months, the doctor recommended taking certain medication to improve this issue. What kind of medicine should I give my baby?

Answer

Based on your description, your baby’s frequent nail fractures may be due to a deficiency in Vitamin B or calcium. It is recommended that you take your baby to the hospital for trace element testing to determine if there is a deficiency in specific nutrients. If confirmed, you can supplement Vitamin B and calcium under the guidance of a doctor. Moreover, taking your baby out more often for sun exposure helps the body synthesize Vitamin D, promoting calcium absorption. At the same time, maintaining a balanced diet to ensure your baby takes in enough nutrients is also an important method to prevent nail fractures. I hope these suggestions are helpful to you, and wish your baby a healthy growth!