what is this white stuff on my fingernails?

Question

its been there ever since i can remember
sum1 told me it meant im not getting enuff calcium in my body, is that true?

Answer 1

Actually, NO, they are not caused by a calcium deficiency. They're called "leukonychia" and are very common.

Most of the time the white spots simply are a sign of some past injury to the base of your nails. The spots also can be a sign of an allergic reaction to nail polish or nail hardeners and, sometimes, are a symptom of a mild infection.

Incidentally, in addition to the myth that white spots on the nails are a sign of calcium deficiency, you may also have heard that they indicate a zinc deficiency. That isn't true either.

http://www.thebeautytips.com/nail-disorders/leukonychia.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leukonychia
http://health.allrefer.com/health/nail-abnormalities-causes.html
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003247.htm
http://www.soundmedicine.iu.edu/segment.php4?seg=204

Answer 2

Yep, you are deficient in calcium. Get on a calcium supplement before your bones start to deteriorate too. Take 500-600 mg in the morning and 500-600 in the evening. It can also be an indication of low zinc levels or damage to the nail.

Answer 3

Calcium Deposits.

Answer 4

They are called cuticles and are the nails equivalent of bruising. However you can limit thier regularity by looking after your nails and calcium is a good way to help

Answer 5

Yep, that's true. Lack of calcium and iron. You could be anemic too.

Answer 6

It is known as Punctate leukonychia.

There are many reasons for the 'white spots'.
Most often is due to Zinc deficiency.

Here are two links for it.

Answer 7

calcium needed

Answer 8

Afraid so