Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis

Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) is a safe, non-invasive test that measures the levels and comparative ratios of nutrients and toxic metals found in hair. Hair analysis can detect an excess or deficiency of vital nutrient minerals such as calcium, potassium, zinc and iron. It can also identify over-exposure to toxic metals such as aluminium, lead, arsenic and mercury.

This test provides a reading of the minerals deposited in hair over a 2-3 month period. It does not provide an assessment of the mineral content of other body tissues. However, the mineral content of hair may reflect the condition of other tissues. HTMA is an invaluable screening tool in both everyday and preventive healthcare.

How is HTMA conducted?

At a hair analysis lab, the patient's hair sample is prepared for testing. Acids are added to break the hair down, separating out the elements in the hair protein. The remaining mineral salts are then analysed and the results represented in graphs and explanations.

What are the benefits of HTMA?

It provides a wealth of information on how efficiently your body is working and its nutritional status, and can be more accurate than blood and urine tests. While a blood test gives information about your mineral levels only at the time the test is taken, hair analysis reflects your body's storage of minerals over a period of time, not what you ate that day, or even that week. Likewise, urine tests measure what is being passed out of your body, which is not necessarily what has been absorbed.

Sample Test Results From Our Client

iAremyhair conducted our very own sample HTMA to learn exactly how it can help with hair loss analysis. We took hair samples from Jenny (not her real name), a 25-year-old female client.

Jenny's HTMA results can be viewed by clicking on the following PDF files.

The results are shown in three main graphs: Nutritional Elements graph, Significant Ratios graph and Toxic Elements graph.

The Nutritional Elements graph shows the range of elements that play key roles in metabolic processes like muscular activity, endocrine function, reproduction, skeletal integrity and overall development. Jenny's tissue calcium level is higher than normal and may contribute to low energy levels, muscle cramps and insomnia. Her sodium level is below average, and this could lead to conditions like low adrenal cortical activity, low blood pressure and fatigue. The low sodium level may have come about from a slow metabolic rate or high calcium intake. In addition, Jenny has a high copper level leading to signs of zinc deficiency. The symptoms of this include hair loss, low thyroid activity and headaches.

The Significant Ratios graph shows us the synergistic relationships (or ratios) between certain minerals. A disturbance in these ratios can indirectly affect metabolism. The graph indicates a low sodium-to-potassium ratio. Zinc deficiency may have contributed to poor potassium retention. It may lead to hair loss. There is also a high calcium-to-potassium ratio, suggesting reduced thyroid function. Symptoms include fatigue, overweight tendencies and sensitivity to cold. Lastly, there is a low sodium-to-magnesium ratio, indicative of reduced adrenal cortical function. The symptoms of this condition include fatigue, low blood pressure and allergies.

In the Toxic Elements graph, Jenny shows abnormally high levels of mercury. The toxic effects of mercury include hair loss, skin irritation and uncontrollable blushing.

Conclusion: Jenny's hair loss could be due to a nutritional imbalance-in particular the deficiency of certain minerals like zinc and potassium, and too-high levels of mercury.