Tired of those stubborn grey hairs which seem to be popping up randomly? Well, this could be what’s causing them, according to one doctor.
This may be a bit of an oversimplification when describing the intricate nature of biological science, but pretty much everything that happens to our body has a knock on effect on something else – including the health of our skin and hair.
Grey hair is typically more common as we age – which means there is no way to ultimately avoid it – and it’s more noticeable on people with dark hair.
However, should you feel like you’re greying a little bit too prematurely there could be a hidden reason in your diet.
According to UK-based GP Dr Ahmed, if you’re often suffering from symptoms of lethargy or tiredness, have previously been diagnosed with anaemia and also have some premature grey hairs then it might be worth having a doctor check your copper absorption levels.
What is copper?
While your first thoughts will be the metal used for water pipes and electricity, copper is a mineral which is also found in the body. Guidelines from the NHS state the average adult needs around 1.2mg per day, with the mineral found in foods such as nuts, shellfish and offal.
“Copper is essential for energy metabolism, collagen production and also iron absorption,” he explained on TikTok, adding that someone with chronically low iron levels – despite taking supplements – could have low levels of copper.
How does copper deficiency impact grey hair?
So how does copper relate to your hair going prematurely grey? Turns out that low copper levels can also impact the production of melanin, which is responsible for hair pigment (per Healthline). However, more studies are needed in the area.
@dra_says If your always tired, anaemic despite iron replacement or getting grey hairs early. Then getting your copper levels checked is a good option. @thehamptonshospital Educational purposes only. #anaemia #anaemic #lowiron #lowcopper #copperdeficiency #copperdeficiencysymptoms #greyhair #whitehairproblem #whitehaircause #tiredallthetime #anemic #doctor #privatedoctor #privategp #anaemiaproblems #anemiacheck #lowbloodcount #lowhaemoglobin #hblow #irondeficiency #irondeficiencyanemia #irondeficiencycheck
Seek healthcare advise if you think you have copper deficiency
Dr Ahmed also advises anyone who believes they may be suffering from symptoms of copper deficiency to get themselves checked out by a doctor before overloading on supplements – as taking too much copper can also have an impact on the body.
“So please don’t start taking supplements without having your levels checked,” he added.
For anyone whose copper levels are low or borderline deficient, Dr Ahmed recommends trialing adding a natural supplement to your diet first and recommended cacao powder.
“One tablespoon a day [of cacao powder] gives you all the copper you need,” he explained. “It’s also packed with protein, fibre and lots of other good stuff.”
Unfortunately there’s still some people who are genetically more predisposed to going grey – and there’s not much that altering your diet will do to prevent it.
