Factors Associated with Premature Hair Graying in a Young Indian Population
Chakrabarty S
Published in International Journal of Trichology
Methodology
Case-control study conducted October 2013 to April 2014 at a trichology clinic in Bengaluru, India; 37 cases of premature hair greying and 37 matched controls tested for haemoglobin, serum ferritin, zinc, copper, calcium, vitamin B12 and vitamin D; chi-square and Student t-tests for comparison.
Key Findings
A case-control study at a Bengaluru trichology clinic compared 37 people under 25 with premature hair greying against 37 age- and gender-matched controls, measuring haemoglobin, ferritin, zinc, copper, calcium, vitamin B12 and vitamin D. Serum ferritin and vitamin B12 were both significantly lower in the greying group (p < 0.001 for each), as was HDL cholesterol (p < 0.001). A significant proportion of those with premature greying reported a sedentary lifestyle and irregular eating habits. The authors call for larger studies to confirm these associations.
Conclusions
Case-control study: premature hair graying associated with low serum ferritin, vitamin B12 and HDL-C in under-25s.
Limitations
Only 37 cases and 37 controls from a single clinic, so results may not generalise; a case-control design shows association only, and low ferritin or B12 could be a marker of diet rather than a cause of greying.
Supplements Studied
PHG is associated with low serum ferritin, Vitamin B12, and HDL-C levels in Indian patients aged <25 years.
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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