Got Grey Hair? Tyrosinase is important for regulating melanin production, which dictates hair pigmentation.
Grey hair is a quintessential part of aging. But have you ever wondered how these hairs come to be?
“Copper is the crucial element for producing the color in hair and skin..The shape and texture of hair, as well as its color, can change in a copper deficiency. Too much iron can block our absorption of copper, and too little copper makes us store too much iron. With aging, our tissues lose copper as they store excess iron.” — Dr. Ray Peat
Tyrosinase, a Cuproenzyme (meaning a Copper-containing enzyme), is required for the formation of the pigment Melanin. Melanin is a natural pigment that is produced by Melanocytes in the body. The number of Melanocytes is about the same in all people. Differences in color are due to the amount of pigment they produce.
Tyrosinase is also important for the production of Ceruloplasmin, a very critical Copper protein complex.
Tyrosinase can also be found in real, whole-food Vitamin Ⓒ.
Copper deficiency can impact Tyrosinase and other important Copper proteins. Too much Iron can impair Copper function. And too little Copper can cause Iron storage. This leads to aging...and white hair.
To simplify things a bit more, stress and aging go hand in hand. So if you’ve ever noticed that you have a few new white hairs sprouting after a stressful time, this is probably why.
All of this said, hair pigmentation can be recovered. I’ve seen it first-hand.
If you’re looking to get your Copper stores up, a few tips:
Reconsider the things that deplete Copper and/or destroy Ceruloplasmin, especially Ascorbic Acid and Iron.
Get more Copper-rich foods. See my “Sources of Copper” post.
Get more natural Tyrosinase-containing foods. See my “Sources of Vitamin Ⓒ" post.
A high-quality, whole-food Vitamin Ⓒ supplement may be a great tool. I like @northamericanherbandspice (use code “INNATE” for 15% off).
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Not medical advice.
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This is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before pursuing any changes to your personal healthcare regime.
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References
Linus Pauling Institute. Copper. Retrieved from: https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/minerals/copper.
Peat, R. (2006). Iron’s Dangers. Retrieved from: https://raypeat.com/articles/articles/iron-dangers.shtml.
Sparre, A. (2020). 4Health: 257b: Morley Robbins – The thyroid, energy and vitamins. Thyroid Conversations 3 (English). Retrieved from: https://podcasts.apple.com/se/podcast/257b-morley-robbins-thyroid-energy-vitamins-thyroid/id907951009?i=1000474847181.
Tortora, J. Derrickson, B. (2015). The Human Body. Danvers, MA: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Turnlund JR. Copper. In: Shils ME, Shike M, Ross AC, Caballero B, Cousins RJ, eds. Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease. 10th ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2006:286-299.
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