Traditional Therapies - HTMA Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis

Articles & Presentations

HTMA Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis

By Dr.Anthony G. Ziagos, Sr., AMD, NMD, MBA

“A hair sample when properly obtained, analyzed and interpreted, can provide information about one’s metabolic and nutritional status. This includes the effects of diet, nutritional supplementation, stress, toxic metal exposure, and even inherited mineral patterns. Through clinical results and continuing research, HTMA is gaining wide reputation internationally.”

Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) is an excellent evaluation tool when used in conjunction with other tests by naturopaths, nutritionists, physicians, and other health care professionals. It has been used widely in many countries offering one of the most readily accessible tissues to examine, and given the vast amount of information HTMA can yield, it is one of the most economical nutritional tests available today.

There are some in the medical profession who do not feel the results are conclusive, consistent or scientifically valid. Articles have appeared in national publications and medical journals claiming results obtained from HTMA are not reliable. I would suggest that if these tests show any type of trend or even an indication of a potential problem they would be of great value to the patient and a practitioner. It offers a window of opportunity to look deeper into a potential problem or imbalance.

For consistent uncontaminated results, the hair sample should be taken in a clinical setting. There are also many choices available across the country to process samples. I recommend a Federally licensed laboratory and then have the results reviewed by your professional healthcare provider. A Naturopath who is Board Certified as a Holistic Healthcare Professional is familiar with these tests and can provide excellent information regarding their use.

According to Trace Elements Inc. of Addison Texas, over thirty minerals and heavy metals are routinely tested for including during HTMA. They include Calcium, Zinc, Selenium, Silicon, Silver, Strontium, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Boron, Sulfur, Lithium, Tin, Sodium, Iron, Cobalt, Vanadium, Nickel, Titanium, Potassium, Manganese, Germanium, Antimony, Platinum, Tungsten, Copper, and heavy metals Arsenic, Aluminum, Beryllium, Mercury, Cadmium, and Lead.

Once the results are returned and evaluated you should discuss treatment options available if any contrary indications appear. Diet and exercise, herbs and vitamins have been used successfully in treating imbalances in body chemistry. Your immune system may need a boost or an internal organ may be weak. Follow a complete protocol recommended by your healthcare provider. Many patients want a quick fix to a problem that has developed over months or years. Herbs, vitamins and minerals need time to reverse the effects that have caused the dis-ease. A good patient will allow sufficient time for the body to adjust and heal itself. A complete protocol should be followed in order to obtain a complete result.

Bibliography, Watts, D.L. : Trace Elements and other essential Nutrients, Writers B-L-O-C-K, 3rd Ed. 1999