Studies show that nails may indicate bone health, highlighting protein and mineral deficiencies that standard tests might miss. Bone and nails contain both the protein keratin and collagen type 1, which also forms the strong fibers found in ligaments and tendons. Tests done on nail samples from women with and without osteoporosis showed that nails from those with osteoporosis had 25 percent less keratin, making them weaker and less resilient.

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