Calcium Deprivation and Nails: Connection, Symptoms, Remedies, and Beyond
Adequate calcium intake is crucial for maintaining good health, as the mineral plays a significant role in various bodily functions. Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the human body, with around 99% stored in the teeth and bones, and the remaining 1% supporting nerve signaling, heart, and muscle functioning [1].
Prolonged calcium deficiency can lead to several health complications over time, including low bone mass (osteopenia), osteoporosis, bone fractures and breaks, and an increased risk of cancer, heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, and preeclampsia during pregnancy [2].
One of the most noticeable symptoms of calcium deficiency may be changes in nail health. Brittle nails that easily break, split, or peel are the primary nail symptom linked to calcium deficiency [3]. However, it's essential to note that while brittle nails may hint at insufficient calcium, they can also be caused by other factors, such as frequently wetting and drying the nails [4].
White spots on nails, often thought to be related to calcium deficiency, are rarely caused by this condition. White spots (leukonychia) most commonly result from minor trauma, allergic reactions, or zinc or protein deficiency, rather than calcium deficiency [5].
While brittle nails may serve as early indicators of nutritional issues, it's crucial to follow up with a medical evaluation, including bone density tests if calcium deficiency is suspected. The American Osteopathic College of Dermatology recommends that frequent wetting and drying of the nails is a more common cause of brittle nails [6].
Calcium deficiency affecting bones leads to bone fragility, but nail symptoms alone cannot confirm bone health status. Nails are composed of keratin (not calcium-rich bone tissue), and their brittleness signals possible nutritional deficiency but does not necessarily correlate strongly with bone calcium status [7].
If home remedies for strengthening nails are not effective, it's recommended to consult a doctor for further advice. People with severe calcium deficiencies may develop symptoms that affect the nails first, such as weak and brittle nails [8].
In conclusion, brittle nails are the primary nail symptom linked to calcium deficiency. White spots on nails are seldom due to calcium deficiency. Calcium deficiency affecting bones leads to bone fragility, but nail symptoms alone cannot confirm bone health status. Nail changes may serve as early indicators of nutritional issues but should be followed up with medical evaluation.
References: 1. National Institutes of Health. (n.d.). Calcium: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000012.htm 2. National Osteoporosis Foundation. (2018). Calcium and Vitamin D. Retrieved from https://www.nof.org/patients/treatment/calciumvitamin-d/ 3. American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. (n.d.). Nail Care. Retrieved from https://www.aocd.org/page/nailcare 4. National Institutes of Health. (n.d.). Nails. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003101.htm 5. American Academy of Dermatology. (n.d.). White spots on the nails. Retrieved from https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-scalp/conditions/white-spots-on-nails 6. American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. (n.d.). Nail Care. Retrieved from https://www.aocd.org/page/nailcare 7. National Institutes of Health. (n.d.). Nails. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003101.htm 8. National Osteoporosis Foundation. (2018). Calcium and Vitamin D. Retrieved from https://www.nof.org/patients/treatment/calciumvitamin-d/
1) Inadequate calcium intake can lead to chronic medical conditions such as osteoporosis and increased risks for cancer, heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, and preeclampsia during pregnancy.2) Maintaining a proper diet and nutrition, including adequate calcium, is essential for overall health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise, and skin-care.3) While it's true that brittle nails may indicate calcium deficiencies, there can be other causes, like frequently wetting and drying the nails, and it's important to seek a medical evaluation for confirmation.4) Contrary to popular belief, white spots on nails are not usually caused by calcium deficiencies, but rather by minor trauma, allergic reactions, or deficiencies in zinc or protein.5) Consulting a healthcare professional is advisable when managing nutritional issues, particularly if home remedies for strengthening nails are ineffective, as people with severe calcium deficiencies may first exhibit symptoms affecting the nails.
