In November 2018 researchers from Egypt published the results of their study to assess the role of iron, copper and calcium in premature hair greying. They stated that hair is said to grey prematurely when a minimum of five grey hairs occur before the age of 20 in fair skinned individuals, 25 in Asians, and 30 in Africans. A total of 60 individuals with premature hair greying and 30 age- and sex-matched individuals with no grey hair were involved in the study. Levels of iron, copper and calcium were assessed in all individuals. Results showed that there was a reduction in the levels of iron, copper and calcium in those individuals with premature greying hair when compared to those with no greying hair. The researchers concluded by stating that premature greying hair may be an indicator that hair is not getting enough nutrients and minerals, and that supplementation may reverse and even prevent progression.
El-Sheikh AM et al. Relationship between Trace Elements and Premature Hair Graying. Int J Trichology. 2018 Nov-Dec;10(6):278-283