HTMA Testing (Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis)

HTMA (Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis)

What is HTMA?
Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) is a non-invasive screening test that provides valuable insight into the mineral balance and heavy metal levels within your body. By analysing a small sample of hair, this test gives a clear picture of your body’s mineral deposition over a 2-3 month period, offering a unique glimpse into your biochemical activity. Unlike blood tests that capture only a moment in time, HTMA reflects an average rate of mineral and heavy metal accumulation over the past 8-12 weeks, revealing a deeper, long-term perspective on your health.​​

​

Why Hair?
Hair is an ideal tissue for mineral testing due to its unique properties:

• Hair is formed from specialised cells exposed to blood, lymph, and extracellular fluids, which allows it to reflect the body’s internal environment.

• Once hair emerges from the follicle, it locks in the metabolic products accumulated during its formation, providing a stable and reliable sample.

• Hair contains mineral levels approximately 10 times greater than that of blood, offering a more concentrated and accurate reading of your body’s mineral status.

• This simple, non-invasive biopsy requires no special handling, making it both cost-effective and convenient.
   

What Can HTMA Reveal?
HTMA can help identify imbalances in essential minerals, potential heavy metal toxicity, and patterns that affect overall health, including your metabolism, adrenal health, and more. It is an invaluable tool for understanding your body’s nutrient needs and for tailoring a personalised plan to restore balance.
 

Ready to Learn More?
If you're interested in discovering the "why" behind your symptoms and understanding your body's current state, HTMA could be the key. Together, we’ll use the insights from HTMA to create a customised approach that includes targeted nutrition, supplementation, and lifestyle changes based on your unique needs. Let’s start your journey toward optimal health today.

​​​

​

NOTE: As a UK-registered dietitian, my practice follows HCPC guidelines, which ensure evidence-based and regulated nutrition care. While HTMA (Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis) is not currently recognised within HCPC guidelines as a diagnostic tool, it is used in functional nutrition to provide additional insights into mineral status and potential imbalances. I offer HTMA as a complementary assessment to support my clients' overall health journey, always alongside evidence-based dietary and lifestyle recommendations. It is not a standalone diagnostic test but can be a valuable tool when used in context with other clinical information and symptoms. You will be reminded of this throughout your time working with me, but please keep this in mind if you decide to go through any functional lab testing with me.