When I was a junior in high school, the boy who sat behind me in class would pull strands of white hair from my head. While this was annoying, it was also embarrassing. How could I be going gray so young?
It turns out early graying can be a genetic problem or it could be caused by a nutritional deficiency.
Vitamin B12 and anemia are typical culprits. Even though some teens dye their hair white or gray to make a fashion statement, the fact is going gray while still a child can be scary.
Thyroid disorders
It is important for the child to see physician to rule out a serious illness that would cause a loss of hair pigmentation. In my case, an undiscovered thyroid condition was the main culprit. Underactive or overactive thyroids can both trigger the early development of gray hair.
The link between a vitamin B12 deficiency and graying hair is well documented. Animal products are the main source of B12 in the diet, so strict vegans can easily fall in this category. If your child will not eat meat, fish or eggs, supplements can help remedy this problem. Aside from vegans, and other children who shun meat products, surgery on the stomach can sometimes make it difficult for the body to adequately digest and absorb vitamin B12.
Stress
Scientists have yet to find a definitive link between chronic or sudden stress and gray hair. Scientific America does say that it is possible that stress can disrupt melanin which would create a lack of pigment in the hair. Alopecia Areata is another condition that may cause gray hair. This disorder causes patches of hair loss. When the hair grows back it is gray at first.
It is just as important to treat whatever caused the gray hair for physical reasons as it is for their mental health. A preteen with graying hair could undergo embarrassing situations at a vulnerable time.
They following tips may help keep the gray hair under control.
- Eat B12 rich food. Seafood, eggs and cheese can all address a deficiency problem and gradually slow the graying. You can also ask your physician for B12 supplement to help support a child with a plant based diet.
- Get proper exercise. Boost circulation through regular exercise.
- Drink lots of water.
- Increase mineral intake. If anemia is suspected, get a blood test and also push mineral-rich foods. Green vegetables, dried apricots, red meat, eggs and sunflower seeds.
- Cut down on sugary treats. A diet high in carbohydrates and sugary foods is another indirect cause of greying.
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