Blood tests or hair analysis for minerals?

[fragrance850]

Hi, all.

I contacted one lab which can do mineral tests through blood/hair/urine samples. They test 37 minerals including toxic ones and essential minerals. It is said that the hair analysis is not so reliable as blood. But they said hair samples will reveal a longer term of mineral picture than the blood. Both have their advantage and disadvantage. What is your opinion? Should I have blood work or hair analysis.

Thank you in advance.

[DrIvan]

Blood analysis is definitely much better and more accurate. However you are correct that hair will test a longer time period while minerals in blood can disappear very fast (within a day). Hair analysis does not provide information which you can make a diagnosis from. It is too prone to contamination and so far it is impossible to relate hair concentration to a blood concentration (i.e. how much of a mineral you consumed or were exposed to). Thus it is not possible to deduce what the hair analysis actually means and should only be used as more of a novelty rather than glean diagnostic information.

[laura1967]

The blood will show active levels now. Hair will show history and now and will show heavy metals better than blood. For example: a lot of  heavy metals will hide deep in the tissue and cannot be seen always in blood samples.

[fragrance850]

have to add sth., I am wondering if the results from both samples coincide with each other.

[fragrance850]

Hi, laura,

Thanks..;)

[laura1967]

Hi there....hair analysis is good if you can abide by the guidelines....no hair color or highlight for a period of time before, no harsh shampoos or conditioners before for a period of time. And you will need someone to cut it for you as it has to be taken close to the root and in separate sections so you don't give yourself a bald spot. lol
You can also use the hair down below is you need to and can't follow guidelines.
I have had 2 done myself and it was an eye opening experience! It will show good history of your heavy metal load and mineral levels. Blood is good to see actively what your levels are. Both are great. Hair will show those toxic metal levels though whereas blood doesn't show that history....only the present. Heavy metals can bury themselves deep into tissue, etc where it cannot be seen with blood.  I would do both if affordable. :)