Can Vitamin Deficiency Cause Gray Hair In Children? What Study Suggests

Premature hair graying is a common condition that we often notice in today's generation, especially among children. Study found several factors which could be reducing the production of melanin that gives colour to our hair.

Vitamin Deficiency: Hair turning gray is common in older age, as the hair follicles gradually produce less colour/pigment. While it is a significant sign of growing older, what's striking today is the increasing number of children experiencing premature hair graying (PHG).

According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), apart from ageing, one of the primary causes of PHG is considered to be genetic, although certain environmental factors could also play a role.

The Association Between Vitamin Deficiency And PHG

Citing a case control study conducted at the trichology clinic in Bengaluru, titled "Factors Associated With Premature Hair Graying In A Young Indian Population", the NIH states, "Trace element deficiencies such as Vitamin B12, Vitamin D3, and calcium may also be associated with PHG. However, India-specific data are relatively sparse."

Although researchers caution that larger studies are imperative to confirm the association between vitamin deficiency and PHG. Findings of the case-control study show that Indians under the age of 25, who have PHG, had significantly low serum ferritin, Vitamin B12, and HDL-C levels.

Method Of The Study

During the case-control study, a total of 100 individuals were investigated on several aspects such as haemoglobin, serum ferritin, zinc, copper, calcium, Vitamin B12, and Vitamin D..

5 Best Foods To Prevent PHG

It's never too late to correct our diet and lifestyle for a healthier tomorrow. If you are looking to prevent premature hair graying naturally, check out these superfoods abundant in essential minerals and nutrients that could help your body function to the best of its ability.

1. Leafy vegetables: Green leafy vegetables like spinach, cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage and kale are a great source of minerals and nutrients that can improve your hair health. Green leafy vegetables are rich in fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins A, C, E, and K, as well as essential minerals like iron, calcium, magnesium, and potassium.
2. Eggs: An abundant source of protein and Vitamin B12, consuming eggs, both the white and yolk, can help you to prevent PHG.
3. Fermented food: Individuals experiencing premature hair graying must add fermented food to their diet for better hair health. Kombucha, kimchi, pickles, and other probiotic foods can improve your biotin level, which is crucial for influencing the health of hair, nails and skin.
4. Lentils: You can also try lentil soup or curry for better hair health. They are rich in vitamin B9 and other nutrients needed for good hair health.
5. Mushrooms: Edible mushrooms are rich in copper, which aids in the production of melanin. And melanin is a natural pigment responsible for giving colour to our hair.