Heavy Metal Analysis- Hair

Heavy metals may often have combined effects so that exposure to multiple heavy metals at low levels might be just as toxic as exposure to one metal at a high level. The toxicity of mercury and other heavy metals has been well established.

Heavy Metal Hair Analysis:

-is the easiest sample to collect and is considered the best for screening of heavy metals.
-is ideal for measuring toxic metals accumulated in the body tissues over a period of time.

Hair Analyte List

Essential: Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Potassium, Copper, Zinc, Manganese, Chromium, Vanadium, Molybdenum, Boron, Iodine, Lithium, Phosphorus, Selenium, Strontium, Sulfur, Barium, Cobalt, Iron, Germanium, Rubidium, Zirconium; Ratios: Calcium/Magnesium, Sodium/Potassium, Zinc/Copper, Zinc/ Cadmium, Calcium/Phosphorus; Toxic: Aluminum, Antimony, Arsenic, Beryllium, Bismuth, Cadmium, Lead, Mercury, Platinum, Thallium, Thorium, Uranium, Nickel, Silver, Tin, Titanium

Why is hair the preferred method to screen for heavy metal toxins?

Alternative Testing- Blood, Urine and Fecal

Heavy Metal Blood Analysis:

-Blood analysis detects elements at higher levels and is sometimes used as a follow-up test after detecting elements in the hair.

Heavy Metal Urine Analysis:

-A chelating agent travels through the body and binds to toxic metals and is eliminated through urine.
-This test is important for evaluating the efficacy of chelating treatments.

Heavy Metal Fecal Analysis:

-Fecal analysis is recommended if using a chelating agent also.
-Chelating agents help extract heavy metals deposited in the tissues.

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