Epidemiological and Biochemical Factors (Serum Ferritin and Vitamin D) Associated with Premature Hair Graying in the Egyptian Population

The study, conducted three years ago, involved 300 premature hair graying (PHG) patients and an equal number of controls, all aged under 30, from the Egyptian population. The research found a significant positive relationship between PHG and factors such as family history, a sedentary lifestyle, and stress (P = .001, .029, and .001, respectively). However, there was no significant association with smoking, body mass index, or frequent use of hair dyes (P = .425, .5, and .65, respectively). The study also found no significant difference in mean vitamin D levels between patients and controls (23.79 ± 13.01 ng/mL vs 24.85 ± 13.19 ng/mL, P = .701), but low serum ferritin levels (<20 ng/mL) were significantly associated with PHG (14.7% patients vs 2.7% controls, P = .017). The role of vitamin D deficiency in PHG was suggested for further evaluation.