Medical Calcium & Nails: Debunking the Myth

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The discussion addresses the common belief that calcium deficiency leads to brittle nails, emphasizing that nails are primarily composed of keratin, not calcium. It highlights that even if calcium levels were low, the body would prioritize bone health over nail quality. A reference to a CNN article supports the claim, stating that nails contain significantly less calcium than bones and that increased calcium intake does not improve nail quality. The consensus suggests that the notion of calcium affecting nail health is largely a myth. Overall, the evidence indicates that calcium intake does not alter nail strength or quality.
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Hi!

I have heard this many times, even from quit educated people, that lack of calcium causes brittle nails. I know that nails contain protein - keratin, not calcium. And even if the body lacked calcium resorption from bones would first happen? So I don't see how it can cause brittle nails, but I have heard it so many times and so many people have claimed that it helps. So is this really a myth or there is some truth in it?
 
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It would appear CNN agrees with you.

http://archives.cnn.com/2000/HEALTH/women/12/14/health.nails.reut/index.html

"...the belief that calcium helps nail growth is widespread, presumably because nails contain calcium, the element that keeps bones strong. However, bones have 800 times more calcium than nails.

The new results "provide no support for the idea that calcium intake alters self-reported nail quality ..."
 

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