The Study
Demographic Characteristics and Association of Serum Vitamin B12, Ferritin and Thyroid Function with Premature Canities in Indian Patients from an Urban Skin Clinic of North India: A Retrospective Analysis of 71 Cases
This study found that kids with gray hair early often had low B12 or thyroid problems — but it didn’t prove those problems made the hair turn gray. It just saw that they happened together, like noticing that kids who eat a lot of candy also have more cavities — but candy might not be the cause.
Analysis score
Maximum 58 for a case-control study.
Where the score came from
Some kids in India start getting gray hair as young as 5 years old. This study looked at why that happens.
Where does this study sit?
Systematic Reviews & Meta-analyses
Max 100Randomized Trials
Max 90Cohort Studies
Max 72Case-Control
Max 58Cross-Sectional
Max 44Case Reports & Series
Max 30Expert Opinion
Max 528 / 100
Quality score
A snapshot of a population at a single point in time. Can identify correlations and prevalence, but cannot determine the direction of cause and effect.
Key takeaways
Summary
Based on the study abstract and findings.
- 1Yes — early graying in kids is often genetic and linked to low B12 or thyroid issues, not iron deficiency.
- 290% of kids had a family member with early gray hair.
- 31 in 8 had low vitamin B12.
- 41 in 4 had underactive thyroid.
- 5Iron levels were normal.
Score breakdown, methodology, conflicts of interest, evidence analysis & raw study data
Publication
Journal
Indian Journal of Dermatology
Year
2017
Authors
S. Sonthalia, A. Priya, D. Tobin
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.