The iron content of finger-nails in iron deficient patients

The content of S, Ca, Fe, Cu and Zn in the finger-nails of 17 women with iron deficiency was examined by X-ray microanalysis and compared with that of 17 healthy women. The values for all these elements were similar in both groups. The distribution curve for iron was also similar in both patients and controls. There was no correlation between the iron content of the finger-nails and the serum iron or haemoglobin levels. It is suggested that the iron content of the finger-nails in iron deficient patients does not reflect their iron status.