Inside: Ever wish you could peek inside your body to see what’s really draining your energy? Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) makes that possible — revealing your mineral balance, stress patterns, and hidden heavy metal exposure.
What is Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA)?
HTMA involves taking an easy, non-invasive sample of your hair. The sample tells us about your mineral levels and heavy metal toxicities over the last few months. Hair analysis is a unique tool, as blood tests only give you a picture of what is going on at that moment. Hair analysis provides a three-month picture of your body’s history.
HTMA is not new; it became widely available in the 1970’s. Dr. Paul Eck and Dr. George Watson were two pioneers responsible for getting HTMA into the hands of health practitioners. Spectroscopy-based mineral analysis is a well-established laboratory method. In the United States (where the two major laboratories are located), all commercial hair analysis laboratories are licensed. They also undergo annual inspections under the CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments) regulations. This means the laboratory must operate consistently and be true to its standards for accuracy.
Is HTMA Credible? What is the Scientific Proof?
Perhaps you are thinking, “Is HTMA credible?” That’s a fair question! Although there has been some earlier criticism, there remains a decent body of research demonstrating it as a credible option.
The Science:
•The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): There is a 1979 published report from the U.S. EPA on hair analysis that reviewed over 400 studies. It states hair is a “meaningful and representative tissue for biological monitoring for most of the toxic metals and minerals” [1]. This is quite a strong endorsement from a major scientific body!
•International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) research: Since 1965, IAEA has had a research program on checking for trace element pollutants in human hair [2]. This global reach shows that hair is a recognized method to assess mineral status.
•Real-World Data and Examples: There was a study from 1974 featuring thousands of Iraqi villagers. Their diet included grain that had been treated with mercury containing fungicides. The hair analysis reflected higher mercury levels during the high consumption phase [3]. This is a compelling case of how hair can accurately represent what is going on in the body.
•Magnesium and Heavy Metals: In a 2004 study participants who received both magnesium and B6 supplements had increased hair magnesium status. They also had significantly decreased lead and cadmium. This shows that balancing minerals can potentially diminish heavy metal build-up [4].
There are some older criticisms, a 1985 article, for example, by Stephen Barrett [5]. Although it is worth noting that the experiment Stephen Barrett conducted involved improper methods. For example, he cut long sections of his daughter’s hair – not near the scalp, washed the hair with tap water and blended samples by hand. These methods are not consistent with accredited lab protocols. Properly collecting and accurately processing the sample of hair is important to ensure an accurate report. Thankfully, modern HTMA protocols address these earlier concerns.
How Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis is Your Pathway to Recovery
Every single process in your body depends on minerals. Each mineral is a messenger, facilitator and the building block for many enzymes. When minerals are balanced, your metabolism, thyroid, adrenals, nervous system and gut are performing optimally.
But here’s the catch, many of us, especially those of us that are type a go-getters, are depleted. And too often, we are also overloaded with heavy metals. This imbalance can steal your energy and throw your whole body out of whack.
Why is This Happening?
•Depleted Soil: Modern farming has depleted our soil of minerals. This means even healthy individuals may not be getting enough nutrient dense foods compared to previous generations.
•Chronic Stress: In this fast-paced environment we live in now, chronic stress and anxiety are almost always present for many. Chronic stress and anxiety deplete precious minerals like magnesium, potassium and zinc.
•Environmental Exposures: There are many environmental exposures that can interfere with how our minerals interact with our body. Think about chlorine and fluoride in drinking water. This may inhibit iodine absorption (which is necessary for thyroid function and metabolism). There are also heavy metals such as aluminum, mercury, lead – which may be found in our cookware, cosmetics, etc. Over time, it can build in your tissues and compete with your essential minerals.
This is where Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis becomes your secret weapon. HTMA provides us with clear, individualized information about what is happening in your body. With this information, we can then create a targeted protocol for you. We will replenish your depleted minerals gently and support your body’s strength to eliminate heavy metals. Over time, gentle rebalancing can lead to profound changes: renewed energy, rebalanced metabolism and improved digestion. You may think more clearly, feel less bloated, achieve sustainable weight management and have better stress resilience.
If you’ve been feeling low on energy, don’t overlook nutrient balance. Check out my post on Vitamin D Deficiency Symptoms to see how this key nutrient affects mood, hormones, and energy.
Low energy, brain fog, or feeling run-down can be signs your iron needs support. This free guide and meal plan share simple, food-first ways to support iron absorption, steady your energy, and rebuild your iron levels naturally.
Ready to Reclaim Your Energy?
If you are curious about trying Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) check out my work with me page and we can add HTMA to The Calm & Clear Method program. You can also book a free 15-minute discovery call and learn more about my programs. Let’s work to decode your symptoms and help you restore the balance you deserve. Take the first step to restoring mind-body balance with a free guide from the freebies library — with simple, science-backed steps to feel steady and in control again.
Be well,
Alysha Breanne
References
[1] U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (1979). Toxic Trace Metals in Human and Mammalian Hair and Nails, EPA-600 4.79-049. Available from: https://nepis.epa.gov/Exe/ZyPURL.cgi?Dockey=9100PRFL.TXT
[2] Ryabukhin, T.S., Brown, A.C., & Crounse, R.G. (Eds.). (1980). International Coordinated Program on Activation Analysis of Trace Element Pollutants in Human Hair. Praeger Publications. (This is a book, not readily available online.)
[3] Al-Haddad, I.K., Al-Shahristani, H., & Shihab, K.M. (1974). Variation of Biological Half-Life of Methylmercury in Man. Archives of Environmental Health, 28(6), 342-344. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/4829091/. (Referenced in: Al-Shahristani, H., & Al-Haddad, I.K. (1973). Mercury content of hair from normal and poisoned persons. Journal of Radioanalytical Chemistry, 15(1), 59-70. Available from: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF02516558)
[4] Kozielec, T., Salacka, A., & Karakiewicz, B. (2004). The Influence of Magnesium Supplementation on Concentrations of Chosen Bioelements and Toxic Metals in Adult Human Hair. Magnesium Research, 17(3), 183-188. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15724866/
[5] Barrett, S. (1985). Commercial Hair Analysis: Science or Scam? JAMA, 254(8), 1041-1045. Available from: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/400244
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Alysha Breanne, CHN, CFNP — Certified Holistic and Functional Nutritionist helping women with iron deficiency, low ferritin, fatigue, and absorption issues restore steady energy using personalized nutrition and testing when needed.