The Study
A study of micronutrient levels in premature canities in children
This study found that kids with gray hair early often had lower levels of certain vitamins and minerals than kids without gray hair — but it doesn’t prove that the low levels made the hair turn gray. It’s like noticing that people who eat a lot of candy also have more cavities — but that doesn’t mean candy causes cavities, because maybe they also don’t brush their teeth.
Analysis score
Maximum 58 for a case-control study.
Where the score came from
Scientists checked the blood of kids with early gray hair and kids without it to see if they had different levels of important vitamins and minerals.
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 536 / 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 — low levels of certain nutrients are linked to early gray hair in kids, but it doesn't mean the nutrients cause it or make it worse.
- 2Kids with early gray hair had much lower levels of zinc, magnesium, and vitamin B12.
- 3They were also more likely to be deficient in copper, iron, and vitamin B12.
- 4Levels of vitamin D, iron, and folic acid were the same in both groups.
Score breakdown, methodology, conflicts of interest, evidence analysis & raw study data
Publication
Journal
Indian Journal of Paediatric Dermatology
Year
2022
Authors
D. Yadav, R. Chander, V. Mendiratta, E. Debnath, Kavita Bisherwal, Suparna Das
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.