Posted by Larry Hoover on November 29, 2002, at 9:16:32
In reply to Re: white spots on nails » Larry Hoover, posted by IsoM on November 29, 2002, at 0:10:11
> Larry, most people who have white flecks on their fingernails get it from minor trauma to their nails, not zinc deficiency. Too many people look at their nails, see white flecks & assume they need more zinc. When a person uses their hands a lot & bump the ends of their fingers against things, they'll often get white flecks.
I appreciate the feedback, but I must state that my own personal experience has been that I had numerous white flecks all my life until I started supplementing zinc. I use my hands quite physically, and I no longer have any white flecks.
> I'd like to caution people to be aware that while some zinc supplementation is good (if their diet's on the low side), too much isn't. Higher levels of zinc can interfere with the absorption of other minerals like magnesium, calcium, & even iron. Sucking zinc lozenges for colds gives far more than any one needs & conversely, too much zinc can weaken our immune system.
>
> I think 50 mg/day is the upper limit & 30 mg would be better. Don't get me wrong - zinc IS important but a deficiency is only one possible cause for white spots on nails & 50 mg is a little more than needed. After all, the RDA is only 15 mg, maybe a little low. It's not a nutrient like B vitamins that are water-soluble but too much zinc can unknowingly contribute to a magnesium definciency instead.I will look into the zinc-magnesium interaction more fully. Thanks.
poster:Larry Hoover
thread:129774
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20021127/msgs/129874.html