*Protein deficiency may make the nail beds appear white. Protein (free form amino acids) helps aid in building materials for new nails. Free form amino acids are rapidly absorbed and assimilated by the body.
However the free form EAAs are to help the body make its own enzymes (amino acids are needed for this) and to strengthen digestion in general so that it can digest the protein (from food) and get more AAs.
Free form amino acids can be absorbed quickly and immediately put to use and start healing the gut wall. Bear in mind that if your digestive system is fragile it may mean that other parts of the body may be starving for the right nutrition as well so your body will use the nutrition, like AAs, based on priorities.