Question 1

What is hair mineral analysis?

Accepted Answer

Hair tissue mineral analysis (often abbreviated as HTMA in English literature) is an analytical test that measures the mineral content of hair - microelements and toxic metals. A hair sample needs to be cut in the neck area, as close to the skin as possible, in case of external contamination it is treated with a special reagent and then analyzed.

Since microelements and heavy metals enter the hair shaft with blood, the analysis reflects the level of both beneficial and toxic elements not only in the hair, but also in the body as a whole! With the help of spectral analysis of hair, it is possible to detect violations of mineral metabolism at an early stage, which is a means of preventing many problems.

Question 2

When to use hair? When to use blood?

Accepted Answer

Hair analysis - hair is a traditional object of research in forensics and environmental monitoring. It is characterized by a fixed growth rate (0.3 mm per day), contains all the trace elements that a person receives with food, water, air and medications. Elements that enter the hair cells through the blood are no longer involved in the mineral metabolism of the body. Hair is a good object for conducting screening and epidemiological studies, since its collection is inexpensive, non-invasive and painless, which is an important factor in pediatric practice. Hair is indispensable for assessing long-term, chronic exposure, for ecological monitoring, for assessing the state of the body's mineral balance and metabolism. Hair analysis is particularly interesting by the fact, that its elemental composition reflects information accumulated over a certain period of time and differs from blood analysis, which shows a more current state. Maintaining the constancy of blood composition is the primary task of the body, maintaining the norms of its mineral composition, pH and other indicators is critical for life, since even the slightest deviation leads to denaturation of cells and enzymes and ca

Question 3

What information does the patient receive from hair spectral analysis?

Accepted Answer

Is the level of macro- and microelements in your body optimal and does it meet your physiological needs? (For example, in athletes) Do you eat properly and manage to provide your body with the necessary macro-, microelements and other nutrients? How safe is your living and working environment? Do you have any chronic metabolic disease, or are you prone to it? How well do your internal organs function: liver, stomach, kidneys, etc.? Is your body oversaturated with certain macro- and microelements, for example, due to malnutrition or medication? Vegetarians who abstain from animal products often have a deficiency of vitamin B12, which leads to fatigue, pallor, headaches, and other neurological disorders. Manganese deficiency can cause memory loss, hair growth retardation, vitiligo, obesity, infertility, ovarian dysfunction, etc. Copper deficiency negatively affects hematopoiesis and the nervous system, increases the likelihood of skin allergies, and disrupts menstrual function. Elevated levels of certain elements can be as dangerous as their deficiency. For example: immune and respiratory disorders are often found in children whose blood contains high levels of nickel and cadmium. Th

Question 4

What can cause mineral imbalance?

Accepted Answer

There are many factors to consider, such as: Diet: A poor diet high in refined and processed foods, alcohol, and fad diets can cause chemical imbalances. Even a “healthy” diet can be deficient in nutrients, depending on the soil in which the food was grown or the method of preparation. Stress: Physical or emotional stress can deplete the body of many nutrients and reduce the body's ability to absorb and utilize many nutrients. Medications: Taking the wrong supplements or the wrong amount of supplements can lead to excess and/or deficiency of many vitamins and minerals, contributing to biochemical imbalances. These include diuretics, antacids, aspirin, and oral contraceptives. Environmental pollution: From childhood to adulthood, the average person is constantly exposed to various sources of toxic metals, such as cigarette smoke (cadmium), hair dyes (lead), hydrogenated oils (nickel), antiperspirants (aluminum), dental amalgams (mercury and cadmium), copper and aluminum utensils, and cosmetics containing lead. Dietary supplements: Taking the wrong supplements or the wrong amount of supplements can lead to excess and/or deficiency of many vitamins and minerals, contributing to bioche

Question 5

How the analysis is performed

Accepted Answer

Hair is an ideal tissue for sampling and analysis. Hair is cut in the neck area (the procedure is simple and painless) and can be sent to the laboratory without any special processing. In case of external contamination, the hair is processed in the laboratory with a special reagent. The Biospectr laboratory is equipped with an X-ray fluorescence spectrometer model 2026, which allows the analysis of up to 70 chemical elements in biological samples (hair, nails, blood, bone marrow, teeth). If necessary, the express method can be used to determine the content of heavy metals in paint, plastic and dishes. This allows us to identify the source of metal poisoning.

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01What is hair mineral analysis?

02When to use hair? When to use blood?

03What information does the patient receive from hair spectral analysis?

04What can cause mineral imbalance?

05How the analysis is performed

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