Prospective Analytical Controlled Study Evaluating Serum Biotin, Vitamin B, and Folic Acid in Patients with Premature Canities.

BACKGROUND

Premature canities is a common yet unfathomed disorder. The evidence for the role of micronutrient deficiency in premature canities is not well established.

AIM

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the micronutrient levels in Indian patients with premature canities as compared to controls.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a case-control study in 52 self-reporting patients with premature canities (<20 years age). Micronutrient levels including serum Vitamin B, biotin, and folic acid were assessed and compared among the patients and controls.

RESULTS

We observed that mean serum Vitamin B (198.07 ± 88.98 pg/ml in cases vs. 343.07 ± 143.06 pg/ml in controls, = 0.000), folic acid (6.22 ± 2.46 ng/ml in cases vs. 8.49 ± 4.18 ng/ml in controls, = 0.01), and biotin (252.71 ± 18.79 pg/ml in cases vs. 266.47 ± 30.44 pg/ml in controls, = 0.013) levels were significantly lower in cases as compared to the controls.

CONCLUSION

In view of the dark hair and many prevailing myths, premature canities is a significant problem in Asians with profound psychosocial impact. This study unveils the association with Vitamin B, folic acid, and biotin deficiencies. Larger studies are recommended to arrive on a logical conclusion.