FACTS AND INFORMATION

Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) Why Use Hair? Benefits of HTMA Why test for Minerals? Mineral Imbalances and Health What can cause a Mineral Imbalance?

Mineral Imbalances and Health

Anemia: Iron deficiency is suprisingly common. It frequently occurs without symptoms of anemia and often when blood serum iron falls in the "normal" range. This is because blood maintains serum iron at the expense of tissue. Symptoms include fatigue, abnormalities of the gastro-intestinal tract and learning difficulties in children. Pregnancy: Iron supplements are routinely prescribed to pregnant women with little regard to their depleting effect on a woman's zinc levels. Zinc deficiency has been linked closely to poor pregnancy outcome and congenital malformations. Osteoporosis: Over 30 mechanisms have been linked to porous and brittle bones, for example too much calcium can actually cause osteoporosis in bone tissue lacking magnesium, phosphorous, zinc, and copper. Typically, the body deposits magnesium on the surface of the bones, thus a relative deficiency will produce a thinning of the bone cortex making them more susceptible to breaks. Diabetes: Calcium is a factor in the release of insulin. Chromium is a well-known component of glucose tolerance factor (GTF) and acts by increasing insulin efficiency. Excessive quantities of glucose and insulin however are known to increase chromium excretion. Multiple Sclerosis: The symptoms of mercury poisoning can mimic those of multiple sclerosis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease). Furthermore copper, which is required for the mylelination of nerves is often severly lacking in patients suffering from MS or Parkinson's disease. Impaired Mental Function: The brain stores trace elements in various sectors. An abnormal concentration or imbalance among these minerals can affect psychological functions, including emotions, memory, perception, learning and behavior. Excessive levels of calcium are a documented cause of depression and elevated copper levels are closely associated with post partum depression, PMS and dyslexia.