Can Calcium Help With Nail Health?
Introduction
Have you ever noticed your nails getting dry and brittle, unsure of the reason why?
While protein consumption, thyroid function and zinc are crucial necessities for nail health, calcium is also a major mineral that has been shown to be vital for nail health!
How Calcium Contributes to Nail Health
Calcium plays a key role in maintaining healthy nails because it contributes to the structure and strength of keratin, the protein that makes up your nails. Here's how it helps:
Strengthens Nail Structure
Calcium is crucial for cell growth and regeneration. It supports the production of keratinocytes, the cells that produce keratin, ensuring your nails are strong and resilient. In addition, while nails aren't bone, they still benefit from calcium's role in structural integrity. Calcium contributes to the density and firmness of the keratin matrix, which helps nails resist breakage and splitting. Conversely, calcium plays a role in maintaining healthy blood circulation, which delivers essential nutrients to the nail beds. A healthy nail bed provides the foundation for strong nail growth.
Supports Growth
Calcium is essential for cellular processes, including the division and regeneration of cells. Nails grow from the matrix (the base of the nail under the cuticle), where new cells are produced. Adequate calcium ensures these cells are formed properly, supporting consistent nail growth. Also, as mentioned before, calcium aids in the production of keratin, the protein that makes up nails. A steady supply of keratin helps nails grow thicker, stronger, and healthier.
Prevents White Spots
While white spots on nails are often due to trauma, calcium deficiency may sometimes contribute to this issue showing the brittleness of it and preventing cracks that can lead to a damaged nail.
Ensuring Adequate Calcium Levels
Question now is how do we make sure we are getting enough calcium and is it more than just intaking more to maintain adequate levels?
Well, while intaking extra calcium can be enough for some, in order to absorb calcium properly, you need the following:
- The capacity to synthesize protein
- Magnesium
- Silica
- Boron
- Retinol and Vitamin D3
- K2
Factors Necessary for Calcium Absorption
Protein Synthesis and Hydrochloric Acid
Calcium help is crucial for nail health, as proper absorption relies on protein synthesis and adequate hydrochloric acid. Proteins, especially calcium-binding proteins, are essential for transporting calcium through the intestinal walls into the bloodstream, while hydrochloric acid aids in protein breakdown. Dietary protein enhances the production of active vitamin D (calcitriol), which regulates calcium absorption in the gut, further supporting calcium help and promoting optimal nail health.
Magnesium
Magnesium helps to keep calcium in solution so it is bioavailable.
Silica
Silica is used as a synergist for calcium and supporting its increase naturally if low.
Boron
Supports adrenal activity which as a result retains calcium in the cell and in the bones, preventing further bone breakdown. It also makes copper bioavailable which is required for raising calcium levels via hair tissue.
Retinol and Vitamin D3
These two fat soluble vitamins are necessary for the absorption of calcium in the gut.
K2
This vitamin is necessary for directing calcium to the bones, teeth and nails.
Conclusion
Once you get this whole process down packed, you should technically have good calcium levels, but it's always a good idea to check! How do you do that? Run an HTMA with us by clicking the link here today.
Conversely, if you're looking for a good calcium supplement that has 2 of the main precursors, check out our Upgraded Calcium that has calcium, magnesium and boron for optimal retention!