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A doctor has highlighted that white spots on nails might indicate a lesser-known but common deficiency that many people overlook. Dr. Sami, who holds an MBBS and BSc in Lifestyle Medicine, frequently posts educational videos on TikTok under the username @ask.doctor.s. In a recent video, he discussed the symptoms related to zinc deficiency.
His caption stated: “Most people don’t realize they’re zinc deficient—until symptoms appear in their nails, skin, or immune system.” Dr. Sami said: “Do you have white spots on your nails or notice your hair is thinner? This could be due to a zinc deficiency.
“Zinc is crucial for producing keratin and collagen, proteins that maintain healthy hair, skin, and nails. Beyond that, zinc plays a role in over 300 enzymes that aid in wound healing, hormonal balance, and immune function.
“Low zinc levels might occur if you consume little meat or seafood, have gut issues that impair zinc absorption such as Coeliac or IBS, or if your diet is high in sugar or alcohol. Chronic stress, common in today’s world, can also contribute,” he noted.
He further explained: “Fortunately, it’s manageable. Incorporate more pumpkin seeds, lentils, chickpeas, eggs, nuts, and seafood into your diet. Oysters are particularly rich in zinc. If you choose a supplement, limit it to 25mg daily unless a doctor advises otherwise.
“Excess zinc can lead to nausea, vomiting, stomach aches, diarrhea, and a metallic taste. It also competes with copper absorption, which is vital for transporting iron, potentially leading to anemia and hair loss from other causes.”
The NHS says you should be able to get all the zinc you need from your daily diet. This is typically 7mg per day for women and 9.5mg per day for men (aged 19-64). The advice states: “You should be able to get all the zinc you need by eating a varied and balanced diet.
“If you take zinc supplements, do not take too much as this could be harmful. Do not take more than 25mg of zinc supplements a day unless advised to by a doctor.”
According to Healthline, white spots on your nails can have various causes. “You may notice white spots along your nails if you’re deficient in certain minerals or vitamins. The deficiencies most commonly linked to this issue include zinc deficiency and calcium deficiency.
“A doctor can determine if you’re at risk for any mineral deficiency.” However, white spots could be caused by something else entirely, such as an allergic reaction or a fungal infection. You should speak to a GP about any health concerns.
