Hair Mineral Analysis (HMA) is an analytical test that measures 16 nutrient elements, 14 trace elements and 8 toxic metals content of hair.
As the constituents of the hair are determined by the entry of substances from external sources and from substances that enter it from the blood stream, hair makes an ideal medium for analysis.
Levels of particular toxic and nutrient minerals can be used to diagnose hair disorders.
Since the structure of hair remains unchanged, the minerals are fixed in the hair and levels in hair do not significantly change once that portion of hair has grown. The analysis accurately provides concentrations of minerals that have accumulated in the hair tissue over the hair growth period, approximately one to three months. Human head hair is a recording filament that can reflect metabolic changes.
HMA is unique in that it inexpensively provides information directly about cellular activity, which is the main site of nutritional metabolism. As important as vitamins are, they can do nothing for the body without proper mineral intake. Vitamins cannot function and are unable to be assimilated without the aid of minerals.
Hair Mineral Analysis – What we test for
Using state-of-the art equipment (Microwave Digestion / ICP Mass Spectometry), we analyse the hair sample for a broad range of 38 essential, non-essential as well as toxic elements. The result provides us with a comprehensive overview of the nutrient and toxic mineral content of a patient’s hair, together with significant ratios.
8 Toxic Metals
16 Nutrient Elements
14 Other Trace Metals
Nutritional elements are minerals we need for good health and well-being. If we become deficient in these – or even if we have too many – health issues may arise because the body requires a set level of these minerals to function correctly.
Nutritional elements include: Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Potassium, Phosphorous, Iron, Manganese, Chromium, Selenium, Boron, Cobalt, Molybdenum, Sulfur, Lithium, Zinc and Copper.
Toxic elements include the commonly known heavy metals, which may negatively impact health and may have devastating effects on the human body. Toxic elements include: Antimony, Uranium, Arsenic, Beryllium, Mercury, Cadmium, Lead and Aluminum.
Additional elements are ultra trace elements, which are only required in low levels. Additional elements may include: Germanium, Barium, Bismuth, Rubidium, Lithium, Nickel, Platinum, Thallium, Vanadium, Strontium, Tin, Titanium, Tungsten and Zirconium.
How do we perform Hair Mineral Analysis?
We can begin the test during your consultation. Testing scalp hair from the nape of the neck is preferable but other body hair may be tested if necessary.
Approximately one tablespoons of hair is needed and we cut the sample as close to the scalp as possible. If we were to test the end of long hair, we may get results from seven or ten years ago!
The hair sample is then posted to the laboratory, and we receive the results within two weeks.
What is the cost of Hair Mineral Analysis?
The laboratory fee to have your Hair Mineral Analysis test completed is $250 including consultation on the results.
When we receive your results back from the laboratory we analyse your data and put together an individualised recommendation report.
What happens once I have my results?
Upon receiving your hair mineral analysis results we will discuss these clearly with you as well as providing you with copies of your results, and handouts to go with them. We will also discuss what may be involved in resolving any imbalances displayed in your results.