Tissue mineral analysis (hair analysis) is a test that analyses the mineral content of hair. Used correctly hair analysis can give you information about mineral imbalances, deficiencies and excesses of both essential and toxic minerals. Examples are calcium, magnesium, sulfur, arsenic and vanadium.
Blood or Hair?
Hair analysis is a good indicator of the metabolic processes occurring within the cells and can be an even better indicator of mineral status than blood analysis. According to Interclinical Laboratories “The blood and serum do contain minerals, but they may not be completely representative of the body’s mineral storage. In many cases the serum level of nutrients is maintained at the expense of tissue concentration”. Also, serum concentrations may fluctuate with emotional changes, time of day, foods eaten prior to testing and so on. In regards to heavy metals, Interclinical Labs say this: “Excess accumulation of minerals in the body is often undetected in the serum due to its removal from the blood for deposition into the tissues. When this occurs the mineral may fail to be excreted through the urine or intestinal tract.”
Who uses it?
Hair is used as the tissue of choice by the Environmental Protection Agency in determining heavy metal exposure. Hair mineral analysis is used by naturopathic practitioners and integrative doctors to detect mineral levels and their ratios, heavy metal toxicity, metabolic types and the influence of the hormonal system on mineral absorption and retention. It’s a great tool for when the cause of a chronic condition is unknown or for when treatment is not working sufficiently.
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