Yes, baby hair can contain gold, especially in babies under three months old.
While it's not like strands of solid gold, trace amounts of gold can be found in baby hair. This is primarily attributed to the mother's breast milk, which can contain gold absorbed from the environment. Studies have shown that babies within the first three months of life can have higher concentrations of gold in their hair compared to older individuals. This concentration can sometimes reach up to double the average concentration of gold found in the Earth's crust.
However, it's important to note:
- Trace Amounts: The amount of gold present is minimal and not economically significant. Don't expect to strike it rich by collecting baby hair!
- Source: The gold comes from the mother's diet and environment, passing into the breast milk and subsequently being absorbed by the baby.
- Temporary: The higher concentration is usually a temporary phenomenon, diminishing as the baby grows and their diet diversifies.
- Individual Variation: The actual amount of gold varies between individuals based on factors like maternal diet, geographic location, and genetics.
In summary, while baby hair can contain gold, it is in very small, trace amounts and is linked to the mother's gold intake through breastfeeding.