Premature graying hair is no longer a story of old age but is becoming a concern for modern young people. In addition to genetic factors, nutritional deficiency is an important cause but is often overlooked.
According to Dr. Shireen Furtado - Senior Consultant in Medical Dermatology and Aesthetics at Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore (India) - hair color is determined by melanocytes. For these cells to function normally, the body needs to be provided with enough vitamins and minerals. When nutrients are deficient, melanin production is halted, leading to natural hair color loss.
Essential nutrients for hair:
Vitamin B12: This is the most important substance, directly affecting red blood cell health and oxygen supply to hair roots.
Iron and copper: Iron helps transport oxygen, while copper directly participates in the formation of melanin pigment.
Hair is made up of keratin (a type of protein). A low-protein diet will weaken the overall structure and health of hair.
Vitamin D and folate: The deficiency of these substances also contributes to accelerating the process of graying hair.
Besides nutrition, Dr. Furtado also emphasized that genetics is still the most common factor. In addition, chronic stress (which affects pigment-regenerating stem cells), smoking habits, thyroid disorders or autoimmune diseases are also leading agents.
To prevent or slow down this process, you should build a balanced diet with green vegetables, nuts, eggs, fish and cereals. At the same time, it is necessary to periodically check vitamin B12, iron levels and maintain a healthy lifestyle, avoiding extreme diets that cause nutrient deficiencies.
