Do white spots on fingernails indicate calcium deficiency?

Q: My 5 years 9 months son has developed a white spot on his fingernail. He weighs 21.5 kg and is 116 cm tall. Is this white spot due to low milk intake? Do I need to give him calcium supplements?

A:Small white spots are most often inconsequential and are not due to vitamin, calcium or mineral deficiency, as it is commonly thought. These might be the result of minor trauma on the nail bed and disappear spontaneously over a period of time. You do not need to give any supplements to your child.