Serum Iron, Zinc, and Copper Concentration in Premature Graying of Hair
October 2011
in “
Biological trace element research
”
TLDR Low copper levels might cause premature graying of hair.
The study examined serum iron, copper, and zinc levels in 66 patients under 20 with premature graying of hair, compared to 66 matched controls. It found that patients had significantly lower serum copper (90.7 ± 37.4 μg/dL) and higher serum iron (108.3 ± 48.4 μg/dL) than controls, with no significant difference in zinc levels. The results suggested that low serum copper might contribute to premature graying, indicating a need for further research on the mechanisms involved.