What is Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis? (and what it can tell you)
What is HTMA, or Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis?
Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) is a functional test used to provide a unique cellular reading of the mineral and heavy metal levels in your body.
By analyzing small samples of recent hair growth, you can get a snapshot of what your body has been exposed to and what it is eliminating through the hair.
This data is valuable for prioritizing which diet and lifestyle strategies will be most effective for addressing your bioindividual needs.
Sampling involves cutting small amounts of hair from a few spots on your head.
HTMA Measures MINERALS
Minerals are elements that are essential for hundreds of physiological functions, including:
nerve signaling
muscle contraction
electrolyte balance
pH regulation
You can think of minerals like "spark plugs" because they act as cofactors for thousands of metabolic reactions in your body.
Mineral balance is essential for health and vitality!
HTMA Measures METALS
Heavy metals are elements that are toxic when they accumulate in the body.
We are exposed to heavy metals everyday via our food, water, and environment.
While important to reduce exposure whenever possible, it is also critical to support the body's ability to detoxify and excrete heavy metals.
The HTMA provides insight into how to best support this detoxification process.
KEY RESULTS from HTMA
1.METABOLIC TYPE
rates how quickly your body is metabolizing energy and what macro ratios are ideal for you (can be slow or fast)
2.MINERAL STATUS
shows an overall snapshot of the major minerals in your body and if any are very high or low
3.HEAVY METAL EXCRETION
indicates if you are being exposed to any specific heavy metals and whether your body is excreting (or storing) them
4.MINERAL RATIOS
all minerals effect each other to some degree, so these ratios highlight which systems need the most nutritional support
Are you a health educator that wants to use this content with your clients? Customize the handout template in less time than it would take to even think about hiring a graphic designer.
References
Wilson, L. Hair Mineral Analysis - An Introduction. (2020) Retreived from ttps://www.drlwilson.com/ARTICLES/HA%20INTRO.htm
Trace Elements. References for HTMA. Retrieved from https://www.traceelements.com/EducationalResources/HTMA.aspx
Haas, E. M; Levin, B. (2006). Staying Healthy with Nutrition: The Complete Guide to Diet and Nutritional Medicine. Celestial Arts.Schoonover, J. Interpreting HTMA in One Week.