Factors associated with premature hair graying in a young Indian population

Abstract

Context:Although the primary cause of premature hair graying (PHG) is considered to be genetic, certain environmental factors also play a role. Trace element deficiencies such as Vitamin B12, Vitamin D3, and calcium may also be associated with PHG. However, India-specific data are relatively sparse.Aims:The present study aimed at identifying factors associated with PHG in Indian patients.Settings and Design:A case–control study was conducted at a trichology clinic in Bengaluru between October 2013 and April 2014 with a total of 37 cases of PHG and 37 age- and gender-matched controls.Materials and Methods:A total of 100 subjects were investigated for various parameters such as hemoglobin, serum ferritin, zinc, copper, calcium, Vitamin B12, and Vitamin D after obtaining informed consent.Statistical Analysis Used:Chi-square test was used to compare proportions between groups. Means were compared between groups using Student's t-test.Results:Serum ferritin levels were lower in patients with PHG as compared to the control group and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.001). Furthermore, as compared to the controls, patients with PHG had lower serum Vitamin B12 levels (P < 0.001). Individuals with PHG had significantly lower levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) as compared to the control group (P < 0.001). Significant proportions of patients with PHG had a sedentary lifestyle and admitted to having irregular eating habits.Conclusion:PHG is associated with low serum ferritin, Vitamin B12, and HDL-C levels in Indian patients aged <25 years. However, studies with large sample sizes may be required to conclusively define these putative associations.

Association Between Premature Hair Greying and Metabolic Risk Factors: A Cross-sectional Study

“…Al-Hamamy et al (13) reported that the peak onset of hair greyness was the fourth decade in people with metabolic syndrome, while it was the fifth decade in those without, which suggests that people with metabolic syndrome tend to develop grey hair earlier. Chakrabarty et al (14) compared various biochemical parameters between 37 cases of PHG (aged 15-25 years) and 37 age-and gendermatched controls, and found that HDL-cholesterol was lower in the PHG group than in the control group. These studies also support the association between metabolic syndrome and hair greying, although Al-Hamamy's study had limitations, such as the lack of age-control in the study population and the possibility of recall bias about the onset of hair greying.…”

Three Streams for the Mechanism of Hair Graying

“…Hair graying is associated with various autoimmune disorders including vitiligo and several rare premature aging syndromes including the Hutchinson Gilford and Werner'syndrome 7 . Hair graying may also reflect nutritional deficiencies (especially of vitamins) and the use of drugs such as chloroquine 8 9 10 . We do not know exactly the cause of hair graying in humans.…”

Premature Hair Graying: Profiling the Scalp Anatomical Patterns of Occurrence in Tanzania

“…The pattern of scalp regional graying development did not essentially differ between sexes but more males (75.5%) had hair graying initially involving the parietal areas than in the females whose regional graying patterns were mostly equally distributed all over the scalp regions. behaviors such as smoking and sedentary life style were reported by a huge proportion of participants [8,15,16] whereas some other studies established a weak association or no association at all [17]. The consequential psychological effects to the sufferers were enormous among the participants of the present study.…”