TLDR Eating vegetarian, having allergies, and family history might be linked to getting gray hair early.
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.
26 citations
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June 2016 in “Pediatric Dermatology” Premature hair graying in young Turkish adults is more likely if they have stress, a family history of graying, drink alcohol, have chronic diseases, are older, or are taller.
46 citations
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December 2014 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Premature hair graying in young men is linked to family history, obesity, and smoking.
47 citations
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January 2013 in “Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology” Premature graying of hair may suggest health issues and currently lacks effective treatments.
26 citations
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October 2011 in “Biological trace element research” Low copper levels might cause premature graying of hair.
14 citations
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April 2007 in “Journal of aging and health” Balding men had lower bone density, while balding women had higher hip bone density.
80 citations
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April 2006 in “Clinical Interventions in Aging” Minoxidil and Finasteride are effective for male baldness; more research is needed for hair aging treatments.
77 citations
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August 1986 in “Archives of Dermatology” Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause skin and hair color changes, which are reversible with treatment.
7 citations
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December 2018 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology” Eating vegetarian, having allergies, and family history might be linked to getting gray hair early.
