Hair Mineral

Hair Mineral Analysis for Heavy Metals, Mineral Deficiencies, Excesses and Ratios

Hair mineral analysis is a technique utilized in preventative medicine to determine the amount of minerals (trace elements) in the body, both those necessary for health (calcium, magnesium, etc.) and those known to be toxic heavy metals (aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, copper, lead, mercury, & nickel).

Originally, trace element concentrations were tested from urine and serum samples. These proved to be somewhat inaccurate because they only showed trace elements circulating in the body and not found in the cells or organs. In fact, because it has been found to be so reliable as a measurement of substance exposure, hair analysis can be used to determine drug use as well.

A small amount of the patient's hair is taken from the base of the neck. Only about 1" to 1 1/2" of growth is cut and sent to a laboratory for analysis. There, it is washed and subjected to an acid bath and either atomic absorption spectrophotometry, or plasma jet spectrophotometry for the presence of trace elements. Each mineral is isolated and measured on a parts-per-million (ppm) basis.

Ratios between various mineral elements are also significant. Copper, for instance, while necessary for hemoglobin, can be in excess when low levels of zinc are found. By supplementing with an appropriate form of zinc, copper levels can be returned to more normal levels. The age old rivalry between calcium and magnesium can be evaluated from a simple hair analysis. The results can be used to implement the required dietary intake of these two minerals with supplementation if necessary.

While most vitamins are essential, minerals play a more important role in nutrition and health. Many vitamins such as B-complex and K2 are produced in the body from the healthy micro-flora located in the small and large intestine. Magnesium is involved in over 300 different enzyme reactions. Minerals are co-enzymes. They bind with different enzymes in the body to initiate, speed up, change or slow down bodily functions. Knowing which minerals are deficient or in excess is vital information. Finding heavy metal toxicity and detoxifying them out of the body can prevent many disease conditions. Knowledge about which minerals are deficient allows for the correct mineral supplementation. It then becomes a well-crafted science in balancing trace elements based on scientific methods not just guess work or assumption.

Bland, J., "Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis, An Emergent Diagnostic Technique", Thorsons Publishing, 1984

"Toxic Metals and Essential Elements in Hair and Severity of Symptoms among Children with Autism",

Eleonor Blaurock-Busch; Omnia R. Amin; Hani H. Dessoki, Thanaa Rabah; Medica, Vol 7, No 1, 2012

"The toxicity of cadmium and resulting hazards for human health", Johanness Godt, et al; Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology 2006, 1:22

'Metals and Neurotoxicology", Robert O. Wright and Andrea Baccarelli, Journal of Nutrition Symposium: Heavy Metal Exposures in Women and Children, the Role of Nutrients

"Low dose mercury toxicity and human health", Farhana Zahir et al, Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology, March 20, 2005

The information on this web page is for educational and information purposes only. The ideas and opinions expressed herein are published under the Freedom of Speech, guaranteed by the 1^st Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America . The author does not assume responsibility for decisions made by the reader regarding their health. The author does not diagnose or treat illness. If the reader decides to pursue natural or alternative treatments, they should consult with their health care practitioner.