White spots on your fingernails: what’s really behind them

White spots on the fingernails make us wonder: Are they really caused by a nutrient deficiency or is it more likely an injury? We’ll enlighten you.

White spots on fingernails are not uncommon. Most of the time they are very small, sometimes a little larger. The general assumption is that this is due to nutrient deficiencies.

Here you can find out where the white spots come from, what you can pay attention to to avoid them and when medical advice is necessary.

White spots on your fingernails – that’s where they come from

In technical terms, the white spots on the fingernails are called Leukonychia punctata. They are caused by mechanical stress, for example by light impacts on the horn-forming layer in the nail bed. Inflammation of the nail root can also be a cause.

These circumstances disrupt the keratinization of the nail. Because if the injuries don’t grow back together completely, air pockets appear that we see as white discoloration.

You cannot treat these white spots. But you don’t need to worry: the stains on your fingernails are usually completely harmless. However, if there is a white line across the entire nail, you should see a family doctor, as in this case there could be a major injury.

Misconception about white spots: nutrient deficiency

Contrary to what many people believe, white spots on the fingernails have nothing to do with a lack of calcium, zinc or magnesium. However, if there is a nutrient deficiency, nails can become brittle and brittle. Vitamins, fat and minerals are particularly important for healthy nails.

Healthy nutrition for beautiful fingernails

To prevent your nails from becoming soft and brittle, you should provide your body with enough of the following substances:

• Vitamin A is found, for example, in carrots, kale and pumpkin. The material ensures a healthy metabolism, which you need for strong fingernails.

• B vitamins are found in legumes, whole grain products and nuts, among other things. B9 (folic acid) and cobalamin (vitamin B12) are particularly important. The latter is mainly found in animal products – vegans may have to supplement it.

• You can get vitamin C from many types of fruit and vegetables, for example currants, peppers or sea buckthorn.

• Biotin strengthens nails and is found in oatmeal, peas, lentils, mushrooms, spinach and nuts, among other things.

• You can get zinc through lentils and walnuts.

• Iron gives the fingernails elasticity and stability. Flaxseeds, wheat bran and pumpkin seeds should therefore often end up on your plate

White spots on the fingernails: need medical advice?

In certain cases, changes in the fingernails can also be related to illnesses. For example, nails with a sunken middle in conjunction with other symptoms can indicate iron deficiency anemia. However, white spots on the fingernails are usually not a symptom of the disease.

If you are not sure, always clarify any changes with your doctor. If the spots have a yellowish discoloration, then it could be nail fungus and medical advice should be sought.

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Revised by Lena Kirchner

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