Quick Answers
Calcium deficiency can cause several noticeable changes in the appearance of nails. Some key signs to look for include:
- Brittle, peeling nails
- Ridges or white spots in nails
- Nails that break easily
- Spoon-shaped nails (koilonychia)
- Nails that curve inward
What causes calcium deficiency in nails?
Calcium is an essential mineral that helps build strong bones and nails. When calcium levels are low, nails can become weak and unhealthy looking. Causes of calcium deficiency include:
- Inadequate calcium intake from diet
- Poor absorption of calcium
- Medical conditions affecting calcium levels
- Medications that deplete calcium
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Vitamin D deficiency
- Older age
- Genes
Without sufficient calcium, nails are unable to form the strong keratin structure that helps protect them from damage. Over time, this causes nails to appear thin, brittle and discolored.
Brittle, Peeling Nails
One of the most common signs of calcium deficiency is increased brittleness and peeling of the nails. When nails lack calcium, they are weaker and less flexible. As a result, nails chip and split easily, and layers can peel away from the nails.
Brittle nails may split vertically down the nail, peel away in sheets, or fragment into tiny pieces. Peeling typically begins at the tip of the nail and works downwards. You may notice hangnails or pieces of nail detaching from the skin around the edges.
Brittle, peeling nails can be very painful. As pieces of nail detach, they can pull on the skin and expose sensitive nail beds. Deficient nails are also more prone to breaking close to the base of the nail, which can be a source of infection.
Treatment
Getting adequate calcium can help improve nail brittleness and peeling. Good dietary sources include dairy products, leafy greens, nuts, beans, and fortified foods and beverages. A calcium supplement may be recommended if dietary sources are not sufficient.
Using moisturizers on nails and cuticles can also help retain moisture and flexibility. Avoid excessive exposure to water and chemical irritants that can dry out nails.
Ridges and White Spots
When nails are deficient in calcium, you may notice the development of ridges and white spots on the nails. This is due to disruptions in normal nail growth.
Ridges are vertical indentations that run from the base of the nail to the tip. They occur when there is a temporary disruption in nail growth, causing that section of nail to develop abnormally. White spots can also develop when the nail matrix forms keratin abnormally due to nutritional deficiencies like lack of calcium.
While ridges and white spots are usually harmless, they can sometimes indicate an underlying medical condition. Therefore, it’s a good idea to get them evaluated to identify the cause.
Treatment
Addressing calcium deficiency through diet or supplements can help normalize nail growth and prevent further ridges and white spots from developing. Existing ridges and spots will grow out with the nail over time.
Nails that Break Easily
When nails are weak and brittle from calcium deficiency, they also tend to break more easily. Fingernails may split and tear during daily activities like opening cans, typing, cleaning, etc. Toenails may break when caught on socks or stepped on.
Breaking a nail can be painful if it splits deep into the nail bed. It may also lead to infection. People with recurrent nail breaks due to poor nail integrity may develop chronic paronychia, which is inflammation of the skin around the nails.
Treatment
As mentioned for brittle nails, improving calcium intake through diet or supplements can help strengthen nails and prevent breakage. Using moisturizers can also help. Additionally, try filing nails into rounder shapes, which distribute pressure more evenly across the nail.
Spoon-Shaped Nails (Koilonychia)
Koilonychia is a condition where nails take on a spoon-like appearance – depressed, thin and concave. It is commonly associated with iron-deficiency anemia but may also occur with calcium deficiency.
When calcium and iron levels are low, the nail bed may flatten. This causes the sides of the nail to grow faster and cave inward over the nail bed into a spoon shape. Koilonychia can affect fingernails and toenails but is more common in the fingers.
In addition to an abnormal appearance, spoon nails are often weak and brittle. They may split easily or gradually thin out.
Treatment
Testing calcium and iron levels can help determine if deficiencies are causing koilonychia. Addressing any deficiencies present through diet and supplementation will allow proper nail growth to resume. The existing spoon nails will grow out over time and be replaced by new, healthy nails.
Inward Curving Nails
Calcium deficiency may also cause nails to curve inward towards the center. Like koilonychia, this is related to improper growth and thinning of the nail bed.
When the nail bed becomes concave and slopes inward, the nail can lose support. As the nail grows out over the deformed nail bed, the side edges begin to bend downward and curve in a pincer shape.
Inward curving nails are prone to additional damage as they put pressure on and may dig into the surrounding skin. Pain and risk of infection increase.
Treatment
As with other nail deformities related to hypocalcemia, dietary changes or calcium supplements can help normalize the growth of new nails. Regular moisturizing may make curved nails less likely to tear at the skin. Protective bandages can cushion curved nails that press into skin.
What health conditions are related to calcium deficiency in nails?
Low calcium levels severe enough to affect nails often indicate an underlying medical condition. Some health problems associated with calcium deficient nails include:
Hypoparathyroidism
Hypoparathyroidism is impaired function of the parathyroid glands that help regulate calcium balance. This can directly lead to chronically low calcium blood concentrations.
Vitamin D Deficiency
Lack of vitamin D impairs calcium absorption and increases risk for hypocalcemia. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with inadequate sun exposure and low dietary intake of vitamin D foods.
Malabsorption Disorders
Gastrointestinal diseases like celiac disease and Crohn’s disease can prevent proper absorption of calcium through the digestive tract, potentially causing deficiency.
Kidney Disease
Chronic kidney disease disturbs calcium and mineral balance in the body, increasing risk of calcium deficiency and abnormal nail changes.
Hyperparathyroidism
Hyperparathyroidism is overactivation of the parathyroid glands, causing excessive calcium release from bones. This can indirectly lower calcium levels in blood and tissues like nails.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy places extra demands on maternal calcium levels to support fetal development. Poor maternal intake can lead to deficiency.
If nail abnormalities or other hypocalcemia symptoms develop, it is important to see a doctor to identify any underlying conditions that should be addressed.
What medications can cause calcium deficiency in nails?
Certain medications can also interfere with calcium absorption or metabolism, potentially causing deficiency if calcium intake is not increased. Medications associated with low calcium nails include:
- Corticosteroids like prednisone – long term use affects calcium metabolism
- Anticonvulsants such as phenytoin and barbiturates – accelerate calcium excretion
- Antacids containing aluminum – prevent calcium absorption
- Blood pressure medications like diuretics – increase calcium excretion from kidneys
- Some chemotherapy drugs – damage cells in the gastrointestinal tract that help absorb calcium
- Lithium – impacts parathyroid gland function
Anyone taking these medications long term should be aware of hypocalcemia risks and ensure recommended calcium intakes are met through food and supplements.
What are the recommended calcium intakes for healthy nails?
Getting adequate calcium is important for maintaining strong, healthy nails resistant to splitting and deformities. The National Institutes of Health provides the following daily calcium intake recommendations:
| Age | Recommended Calcium Intake |
|---|---|
| 0 – 6 months | 200 mg |
| 7 – 12 months | 260 mg |
| 1 – 3 years | 700 mg |
| 4 – 8 years | 1,000 mg |
| 9 – 18 years | 1,300 mg |
| 19 – 50 years | 1,000 mg |
| 51 – 70 years | 1,200 mg |
| Over 70 years | 1,200 mg |
Higher calcium intakes are also recommended during pregnancy and lactation to support maternal and infant needs.
These recommended intakes should prevent calcium deficiency if obtained through dietary and supplemental sources. Consuming adequate vitamin D is also key for proper calcium absorption.
What foods provide calcium for healthy nails?
Many foods naturally provide calcium to promote strong nails and optimal health. The top dietary sources of calcium include:
- Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt
- Dark leafy greens such as spinach, kale, and broccoli
- Beans and legumes
- Tofu enriched with calcium sulfate
- Canned fish like sardines and salmon with bones
- Some nuts and seeds like almonds and sesame seeds
- Fortified foods such as breakfast cereals, juices, or breads
Adequate intake of these calcium-rich foods as part of a balanced diet can help promote healthy nails. Combining different sources throughout the day can help meet daily needs.
Dairy Sources
Dairy products like milk and yogurt are excellent sources of highly absorbable calcium. Just one cup of milk or yogurt can provide about 300mg of calcium.
Cheeses are also packed with calcium. Harder cheeses like cheddar tend to be higher in calcium than soft cheeses. Greek yogurt provides more calcium than regular yogurt.
Leafy Greens
While dairy is the highest source of calcium, leafy greens like spinach, collard greens, broccoli, and kale also provide a boost of calcium for nails. They contain vitamin K, another nutrient important for bone and nail metabolism.
Greens provide around 75 – 150mg of calcium per cooked cup. Eat them daily as a salad or veggie side dish.
Beans and Legumes
Kidney beans, white beans, soybeans, lentils, and other beans and legumes are calcium-rich plant-based protein sources. Beans contain about 50 – 175mg of calcium per cooked cup.
Enjoy beans in chili, tacos, rice bowls, vegetable soups and other dishes. Cartilage and bones from canned fish like sardines are also great options.
Fortified Foods
Many common grocery store foods are calcium-fortified, meaning they have extra calcium added during processing. This includes cereals, breads, juices, waffles, and non-dairy milks like almond and oat milk.
Check the nutrition labels and aim for brands providing at least 10% daily value of calcium.
Are supplements recommended for calcium deficient nails?
If your nails show signs of calcium deficiency but your dietary calcium intake is adequate, a supplement may be beneficial.
Calcium supplements are recommended in the following situations:
- Diagnosed deficiency due to a medical disorder
- History of osteoporosis
- Difficulty getting enough dietary calcium
- Medications affecting calcium levels
- During pregnancy or breastfeeding when needs increase
Calcium supplements come in different forms including calcium carbonate, calcium citrate, and calcium gluconate. Calcium carbonate needs acid for absorption and is best taken with food, while other forms can be taken any time.
Aim to get 500 – 600 mg of supplemental calcium per day in divided doses with meals if dietary intake is low. See your healthcare provider to determine if supplements are advised.
What are other symptoms of calcium deficiency besides nail abnormalities?
In addition to unhealthy nails, calcium deficiency can cause other symptoms throughout the body. These include:
- Muscle cramps or twitches
- Numbness or tingling in the fingers, toes or around the mouth
- Seizures
- Weak, brittle bones (osteoporosis)
- Tooth loss
- Abnormal heart rhythms
- Depression, confusion or memory loss
- Fatigue, weakness or headaches
Chronic low calcium can also increase risk of fractures, osteoporosis, and conditions like colon cancer.
See a doctor promptly if experiencing any severe hypocalcemia symptoms, as very low calcium is a medical emergency requiring IV calcium treatment.
Conclusion
Calcium deficiency can lead to a variety of abnormal nail changes including brittleness, peeling, breakage, ridges, white spots, koilonychia, and inward curving. Underlying causes may include nutritional deficiencies, malabsorption disorders, medications, or other medical conditions affecting calcium levels.
Getting adequate calcium of around 1,000 – 1,300 mg per day through food sources like dairy, greens, beans, fish, and fortified foods helps promote strong nail growth and prevent deficiencies. Supplements may be beneficial for those at risk of low calcium.
Addressing any dietary or medical factors contributing to hypocalcemia can reverse associated nail problems and promote proper nail formation.