What does the half moon at the base of the nails mean?

Diet, stress, hormones: what your lifestyle reveals
Our nails also tell the story of our lifestyle. A stable, well-defined lunula often reflects a good diet: regular intake of protein, iron, zinc, and B vitamins. Conversely, overly restrictive diets, repeated fasting, or unsupported veganism can result in the gradual disappearance of the lunula.

Chronic stress, for its part, slows nail growth and can affect the overall appearance of the lunula. The same is true during periods of hormonal upheaval: postpartum, menopause, heavy treatments such as chemotherapy… all situations where nails become more fragile, sometimes ridged, and the lunula less visible.
A good habit? Taking a moment to observe yourself every month, in daylight. This doesn’t replace a health checkup, of course, but it can sometimes help identify subtle changes even before more obvious symptoms appear.