Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis

Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) is a specialized test that measures levels of minerals found in samples of hair. The analysis provides information that helps indicate mineral deficiencies, excesses and imbalances of essential and toxic elements.

Why test for minerals?

Minerals are necessary for the production of hormones, proper enzymatic function and for many metabolic processes. Today’s depleted soils, modern farming techniques and the use of fertilizers, environmental pollutants and poor lifestyle have all had a significantly negative effect on our ability to absorb the minerals our bodies need for good health and enable us to keep running on all 4 cylinders!

Ever wondered what happens to our bodies when we're low in Zinc, Magnesium or Iron?

Some conditions affected by mineral imbalances:

• Allergies
• Depression
• Stress
• Chronic Fatigue
• Osteoporosis
• Thyroid Disturbance
• Headache/Migraine
• Loss of Concentration and foggy thinking
• Hypoglycaemia
• Cancers
• Insomnia
• Digestive problems
• High Cholesterol
• Fertility
• Diabetes
• Weight gain

Advantages of Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis:

• There is much clinical research to suggest that for many trace elements, tissue can more closely reflect body mineral stores than blood or urine.
• When used in conjunction with other pathology examinations, HTMAs can provide a more comprehensive picture of clinically significant health and disease factors.
• HTMAs are painless and non-invasive.
• Long term changes in mineral status are more easily detected in hair as opposed to blood or urine.
• Hair provides a record of past and present trace element levels
• Hair is invaluable in the assessment of toxic metal levels not easily detected and which move from the blood to tissue.

The value and knowledge gained from an HTMA has proven to be significant in many individual cases. It is a technique now regarded by many General Practitioners, Naturopaths and other nutrition oriented healthcare professionals as one of the best health-screening and diagnostic tools available.

If you are interested in having an HTMA you are advised to see one of Desana’s practitioners who will assess your symptoms, diet and environment before recommending that an HTMA is carried out. Hair collection can occur at the time of consultation. If your hair has been coloured you will need to wait at least 6 weeks for re-growth to occur so that a sample of your natural hair can be collected.

The hair sample is usually taken inconspicuously from the nape of the neck as close to the scalp as possible. It is then sent to a specialized laboratory and usually takes approximately 3 weeks to return to Desana. At which time, we will contact you to make a follow-up appointment to examine the results.