Hair Analysis

Hair can be used to gather information about heavy metal toxicity and mineral levels. Hair is an excretory tissue rather than a functional tissue. As protein is synthesized in the hair follicle, elements are incorporated permanently into the hair with no equilibration with other tissues.

Extensive research has shown that scalp hair element levels are related to systemic levels. Unlike blood, hair is not controlled by homeostatic systems/mechanisms. Thus, deviations in hair often appear prior to overt symptoms and can thereby be a valuable tool in predicting the development of physiological abnormalities.

Hair analysis is not diagnostic in and of itself, but when used with symptoms and other lab values, it can help diagnosis, monitor treatment and or prevent deficiencies.

Scalp hair is easy to sample (even in infants or toddlers), the cost is $90, and gets sent to a lab in Calgary.  This test is a valuable and inexpensive screen for physiological excess, deficiency or mal-distribution of elements.

Here is an example of how it can be useful. A pediatric patient with excessive dental cavities (4 extractions and 4 fillings at age 2) was tested and revealed high heavy metals and deficiencies in 3 essential bone-building minerals (but not calcium, magnesium or other typical ones). This helped tailor the treatment specifically to his needs and his body. He is now 4 and at the last check up had 2 minor fillings. I expect this to continue to improve as treatment progresses.

I have used this test with fertility issues, pregnancy preparation, osteoporosis and bone building programs. If you haven’t gotten answers to your health questions, keep asking and seek other testing alternatives.