Vitamin B12 Deficiency is the Most Promising Treatment for Reversing Grey Hair
Based on the available evidence, vitamin B12 supplementation is the most promising treatment for reversing grey hair, particularly when the greying is associated with vitamin B12 deficiency.
Evidence for Vitamin B12 in Reversing Grey Hair
A documented case report showed complete reversal of premature grey hair after vitamin B12 supplementation in a patient with pernicious anemia, demonstrating a direct causal relationship between B12 deficiency and hair greying 1
Multiple studies have found significantly lower serum vitamin B12 levels in patients with premature hair greying compared to controls, suggesting a strong association between B12 deficiency and the development of grey hair 2
The mechanism appears related to B12's role as a coenzyme contributing to nucleic acid production, which is essential for the highly-proliferative hair follicle 3
Other Potential Nutritional Factors Associated with Grey Hair
Serum ferritin (iron storage) levels have been found to be significantly lower in patients with premature greying of hair compared to controls 2
Vitamin D3 deficiency has been associated with premature greying of hair in some studies 4
Calcium deficiency may play a role in premature greying, with studies showing lower serum calcium levels in patients with grey hair 4, 5
Folate (vitamin B9) deficiency has been implicated in some research, particularly when measured as red blood cell folate rather than serum folate 3
Treatment Approaches
For confirmed vitamin B12 deficiency causing grey hair, supplementation with cyanocobalamin (B12) is the most evidence-based approach 1
Calcium pantothenate (vitamin B5) has been studied for grey hair treatment with moderate evidence supporting its use, particularly when combined with grey hair evulsion (physically removing grey hairs) 6
Para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) and PABA-calcium pantothenate combinations have received low-grade recommendations (2A) for treating premature grey hair 5
Clinical Approach to Grey Hair
Test for nutritional deficiencies, particularly vitamin B12, ferritin, calcium, vitamin D3, and folate in patients with premature greying 4, 2
Consider underlying conditions that may cause B12 deficiency, such as pernicious anemia, which has been documented to cause reversible grey hair when treated 1
Address lifestyle factors that may contribute to premature greying, including smoking, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and irregular eating habits 5, 2
Monitor lipid profiles, as low HDL-cholesterol has been associated with premature hair greying 2
Limitations and Considerations
Most studies on nutritional deficiencies and grey hair have small sample sizes and varying methodologies 3
The evidence for reversal (rather than just association) is strongest for vitamin B12 deficiency 1
Genetic factors remain the primary determinant of hair greying, with nutritional factors likely playing a secondary or exacerbating role 5
Response to treatment may vary significantly between individuals, and not all grey hair will respond to nutritional supplementation 6