Tag: White nails

While many people believe white spots on nails are caused by calcium deficiency, research shows that deficiencies in zinc and protein are more commonly linked to certain forms of leukonychia, or white nails. Persistent or widespread nail whitening warrants attention to uncover its root cause.

Contrary to a popular myth, the small white specks on nails, known as leukonychia, are most often caused by minor trauma to the nail matrix, not a lack of calcium. This common misunderstanding raises the question: **what mineral deficiency causes white nails** and when is diet a factor?

While minor trauma is the most common cause of white spots on nails (punctate leukonychia), low iron levels can cause general nail bed paleness, which is often misinterpreted as 'white fingernails'. This nuance is crucial for understanding how deficiencies affect nail health.