[Trace elements in samples of brittle and nonbrittle finger nails]

We examined nail samples of 27 adult patients suffering from brittle nails and 15 persons without nail disorders with respect to the content of trace elements. The analysis by atomic absorption spectroscopy disclosed the following values. In parentheses values of healthy nails. Ca 44.9 ppm +/- 25.0 (53.6 ppm +/- 22.5), Mg 182.4 ppm +/- 128.0 (183.1 ppm +/- 83.2), Al 25.6 ppm +/- 10.3 (33.0 ppm +/- 20.5), Cu 7.9 ppm +/- 3.0 (7.9 ppm +/- 2.7), Zn 80.9 ppm +/- 34.5 (85.0 ppm +/- 34.9), Fe 53.9 ppm +/- 24.5 (45.7 ppm +/- 24.4). Comparing the two groups no significant differences could be found.