Relationship Between Diet, Atopy, Family History, and Premature Hair Graying

In a cross-sectional study of 1,192 young adults aged 18 to 20, 377 (31.6%) displayed premature hair graying (PHG). The study identified a vegetarian diet, atopy history, and family history of PHG as significantly more prevalent among those with PHG. While subjects with PHG had higher body mass index (BMI) and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) scores, these were not statistically significant. Factors such as male gender, higher BMI, alcohol consumption, and paternal history of PHG were significantly associated with PHG, and those with PHG had an earlier onset age. The study suggests that lifestyle modifications, including diet, weight management, and reduced alcohol intake, could help prevent or mitigate PHG. It also highlighted the potential role of nutritional deficiencies, autoimmunity, and oxidative stress in the development of PHG, marking the first report of a link between a vegetarian diet and PHG.