Toxic & Essential Elements (Hair)

The Aluminum (Al) level in hair is a reliable indicator of assimilation of this element, provided that hair preparations have not added exogenous Al. Al is a nonessential element that can be toxic if excessively assimilated into cells. Excess Al can inhibit the formation of alpha-keto glutarate and result in toxic levels of ammonia in tissues. Al can bind to phosphorylated bases on DNA and disrupt protein synthesis and catabolism. Al excess should be considered when symptoms of presenile dementia or Alzheimer’s disease are observed. Hair Al is often elevated in children and adults with behavioral/learning disorders such as ADD, ADHD, and autism. Individuals with renal problems or on renal dialysis may have elevated Al. Al is one of the most abundant metallic elements and due to its light weight, tensile strength and corrosion-resistant oxide coat, it is utilized in a wide variety of industrial and household applications (packing materials, containers, kitchen utensils, automobile and airplane components, and building materials). Commercial Al alloys commonly include copper, manganese, zinc, silicon, and magnesium. Inorganic aluminum compounds are found in drinking water, skin tanning solutions, cosmetics, mordants and coagulating agents. Al is used as a catalyst in the production of marble cement, concrete, and in the paper and enamel industries. Organoaluminum compounds are utilized to adjust the viscosity of varnishes, to impregnate textiles, and for antitransparents is cosmetics. Other sources of Al include antacids, baking powder, process cheese and other foods, and some vaccines. Analyses performed at DDI indicate extremely high levels of Al in the majority of “colloidal mineral” products. Al has neurotoxic effects at high levels, but low levels of accumulation may not elicit immediate symptoms. Early symptoms of Al burden may include: fatigue, headache, and symptoms of phosphate depletion. A post-Desferrioxamine or EDTA urine elements test can be used to corroborate Al exposure. Al can be effectively complexed and excreted with silicon (J. Environ. Pathol. Toxicol. Oncol., 13(3):205-7, 1994). A complex of malic acid and Mg has been reported to be quite effective in lowering Al levels (DDI clients), and appears to be very effective in the treatment of fibromyalgia.

a nonessential element considered by some to be more toxic than arsenic

Elemental analysis provides a good estimate of exposure to inorganic arsenic (As). However, hair can be contaminated externally with As from air, water, dust, shampoos and soap. Inorganic As, and some organic As compounds, can cause toxicity. Some research suggests that As may beessential at extremely low levels but its function is not understood. Inorganic As accumulates inhair, nails, skin, thyroid gland, bone and the gastrointestinal tract. Organic As is rapidly excreted in the urine. Common sources of As are insecticides (calcium and lead arsenate), drinking water, smog, shellfish, some rice and rice-based products, exterior wood preservatives, combustion of fossil fuel, copper smelting, and industrial exposure, particularly in the manufacture of electronic components (gallium arsenide). As can cause malaise, muscle weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, dermatitis (hyperpigmentation), skin cancer, and peripheral neuropathies. As is a major biological antagonist to selenium.

Hair may be used to evaluate exposure to barium (Ba). Exogenous contamination has been observed from bath water containing Ba. Elevated levels of hair Ba are often observed as a result of exposure to Ba for diagnostic medical tests. Ba has not been established to be an essential element. Elevated levels of Ba may interfere with calcium metabolism and potassium retention. Acutely high intakes of soluble Ba salts (nitrates, sulfides, chlorides) can be toxic. Chronic exposure to Ba may be manifested by muscular and myocardial stimulation, tingling in the extremities, and loss of tendon reflexes. Due to its high density, Ba is utilized to absorb radiation and is utilized in concrete shields around nuclear reactors and in plaster to line x-ray rooms. The main use of Ba in medicine is as a contrast medium. Long-term retention of Ba can occur and granuloma of the traverse colon has been reported after diagnostic use of barium sulfate. Crystalline Ba titanate is a ceramic compound which is used in capacitors and transducers. Ba is also used to produce pigments in paints and decorative glass. Soluble Ba compounds are highly toxic and may be used as insecticides. Baaluminates are utilized for water purification, acceleration of concrete solidification, production of synthetic zeolites, and in the paper and enamel industries. A confirmatory test for elevated Ba is measurement of blood electrolytes; hypokalemia may be associated with elevated Ba.

Beryllium is a mineral found in nature. It is extracted from mineral deposits and used for many commercial purposes. Industries that use beryllium include: - aerospace - aircraft manufacture and maintenance - computers - dental laboratories - telecommunications - foundries and metal reclamation - exposures to beryllium can include contaminated well water - beryllium is found in drilling muds, glass, ceramic glazes, paper, pesticides and X-Ray contrast material.

generally non-toxic

Hair cadmium (Cd) levels provide an indication of mild to moderate exposure to the nephrotoxic metal. Very high exposure and assimilation of Cd destroys the hair follicle. Cd is a toxic heavy metal that has no metabolic function in the body. Moderately high Cd exposure may be associated with hypertension, while very severe Cd toxicity may cause hypotension. Cd adversely affects the kidneys, lungs, testes, arterial walls, and bones and interferes with many enzymatic reactions. Chronic Cd excess can lead to microcytic, hypochromic anemia and proteinuria with excretion of beta-2-microglobin, and functional zinc deficiency. Cd excess is also commonly associated with fatigue, hypertension, kidney disease, weight loss, osteomalacia, and lumbar pain. Occupationally, inhalation of Cd is the primary route of exposure. Otherwise the most significant source of exposure is due to contaminated food and water. Cd occurs at relatively high levels in human biosolids that are used as fertilizer. Cd absorption is reduced by zinc, calcium, and selenium. Oral absorption of Cd is generally higher in females than in males due to differences in iron stores. Cd is found in varying amounts in foods, from .04 μg/g for some fruits to 3-5 μg/g in some oysters and anchovies. Refined carbohydrates have very little zinc in relation to Cd. Cigarette smoking significantly increases Cd intake. Other sources of Cd include drinking water, fungicides, rubber products (tires), welding rods, and silver solders, and interestingly, old metal refrigerator shelves that have been utilized as grills for outdoor cooking. Cadmium toxicity is common among welders and construction workers (cement dust).

A high hair chromium (Cr) level is likely to indicate excess exposure to Cr. Hair Cr levels do not appear to be affected by permanent solutions, dyes, or bleaches, but external contamination is possible. Trivalent Cr is considered to be an essential trace element with a low order of toxicity. Cr toxicity via oral ingestion is not likely. However, it is noteworthy that excessive self-supplementation has been reported to be associated with insomnia and increased unpleasant dream activity in some individuals (J. Nutr. Med.; 3(43), 1992). Phytates decrease oral assimilation of Cr+3, whereas nicotinic acid and vitamin C increase absorption of Cr+3, zinc, vanadium and iron compete with Cr for absorption. In contrast, hexavalent Cr compounds are considerably more toxic and are primarily absorbed via inhalation as a result of industrial exposure. Industrial exposure to high amounts of Cr has been reported to be associated with allergic dermatitis, skin ulcers, bronchitis, and lung and nasal carcinoma. Elevated hair Cr levels have also been observed in patients with cerebral thrombosis and cerebral hemorrhage. Sources of exposure to hexavalent Cr include: manufacture and use of ferrochromium and stainless steel, chromium plating (plumbing, electrical appliances, automotive parts), welding, commercial spray painting, wood finishing and leather tanning industries, and handling of cement. Extensive mining of Cr and disposal of spent ore presents a serious environmental problem in certain regions. Tests to confirm excess exposure to Cr include analysis of Cr in plasma (trivalent) versus packed red blood cells (hexavalent); both analyses are more indicative of recent exposure than of body burden. A urine elements analysis will confirm recent exposure and serum hyaluronidase activity is reported to be elevated with excessive exposure to Cr.

Hair may be used for monitoring excess exposure to cobalt (Co). However, hair is occasionally contaminated by external Co from some hair treatments. If an individual’s hair has been treated with permanent solutions, dyes, or bleach, the Co levels may not be indicative of body Co accumulation. Humans absorb Co both as inorganic Co and as vitamin B-12; the body pools of each fluctuate independently. Humans cannot convert inorganic Co to vitamin B-12, and vitamin B-12 provides the only documented function of Co in humans. Thus, a high hair Co level does not mean that vitamin B-12 levels are high or even adequate. Co is utilized in the manufacture of metal alloys with high melting point, strength and resistance to oxidation. Alloys with chromium, nickel, molybdenum, and copper are utilized in the electrical, aeronautical, and automobile industries. Co salts and oxides are used in the glass industry, for paints and colored pottery. They are also used as fertilizers, catalysts in chemical reactions and in some dental amalgams. Co salts are not longer utilized as foam stabilizers in the brewing of malt beverages due to cardiovascular diseases that the metal induced. The primary clinical manifestations of chronic Co toxicity include weight loss, pulmonary syndrome, allergy, nausea, cardiomyopathy, electrolyte imbalance, hematological disorders, and thyroid lesion. The dietary content of Co is highly variable and depends upon types of foods eaten, geographical location, and type of soil. Toxicity has been noted with ingestion of 250-400 mg/day. Recent animal studies indicate that excess Co can cause marked impairment of myocardial metabolism that results in metabolic acidosis. Hair analysis cannot be used to assess vitamin B-12 status. Appropriate tests for determination of B-12 status are the measurement of urine levels of methylmalonic acid (elevated with B-12 coenzyme deficiency/dysfunction), quantitative blood assay for vitamin B-12, and urine amino acids analysis (several metabolic steps require vitamin B-12).

Hair Copper (Cu) levels are usually indicative of body status, except that exogenous contamination may occur giving a false normal (or false high). Common sources of contamination include: permanent solutions, dyes, bleaches, and swimming pools/hot tubs in which Cu compounds have been used as algaecides. Cu is an essential element that activates specific enzymes. Erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD) is a Cu (and zinc) dependent enzyme; lysyl oxidase which catalyzes crosslinking of collagen is another Cu dependent enzyme. Adrenal catecholamine synthesis is Cu dependent, because the enzyme dopamine beta-hydroxylase, which catalyzes formation of norepinephrine from dopamine, requires Cu. If hair Cu is in the normal range, this usually means tissue levels are in the normal range. However, under circumstances of contamination, a real Cu deficit could appear as a (false) normal. If symptoms of Cu deficiency are present, a whole blood or red blood cell elements analysis can be performed for confirmation of Cu status.

a nonessential element that has chemical properties similar to that of silicon

an essential mineral

required in hemoglobin for transporting

Pb has neurotoxic and nephrotoxic effects and interferes with heme biosynthesis. Pb may also affect the body’s ability to utilize the essential elements calcium, magnesium, and zinc. At moderate levels of body burden, Pb may have adverse effects on memory, cognitive function, nerve conduction, and metabolism of vitamin D. Pb is transported through the placenta to the fetus and is found in human breast milk. Children with hair Pb levels greater than 1 micro g/g have been reported to have a higher incidence of hyperactivity than those with less than 1 micro g/g. Children with hair Pb levels above 3 micro g/g have been reported to have more learning problems than those with less than 3 micro g/g. Hair lead levels are commonly elevated is association with ADD/ADHD. Detoxification therapy by means of chelation results in transient increases in hair lead. Eventually, the hair Pb level will normalize after detoxification is complete. Symptoms associated with excessive Pb are somewhat nonspecific, but include: anemia, immune dysregulation, headaches, gastric distress, fatigue, weight loss, cognitive dysfunction, decreased coordination, depression, anxiety, and aberrant behavior. Occupation exposure to Pb occurs in the fields of mining, refineries, and the production of storage batteries, ammunition, solder, building materials, cable sheeting and foils. Other sources of exposure to Pb include: welding, old leaded paint (chips/dust), drinking water, some fertilizers, industrial pollution, lead-glazed pottery, newsprint, and some candles. A recent study indicates that silicofluoridation of water enhances the assimilation of Pb in humans.

normally found in hair at very low levels

an essential element involved in the activation of many important enzymes

indiator of exposure to methylmercury from fish

hair is often contaminated with Ni from hair treatments, dyes, and hair products

a nonessential element that is sometimes detected in hair

The level of Potassium (K) in hair does not reflect nutritional status or dietary intake. However, hair K levels may provide clinically relevant information pertaining to adrenal function and/or electrolyte balance

a relatively benign element that typically parallels the potassium level

normally found in hair at very low levels

Hair silver (Ag) levels have been found to reflect environmental exposure to the element. However, hair may be contaminated with Ag from hair treatments such as permanents, dyes, and bleaches. Ag is not an essential element and is of relatively low toxicity. However, some Ag salts are very toxic. Sources of Ag include modern hot tubs, seafood, metal and chemical processing industries, photographic processes, jewelry making (especially soldering), effluents from coal fired power plants and colloidal silver products. The bacteriostatic properties of Ag have been long recognized and Ag has been used extensively for medicinal purposes; particularly in the treatment of burns. There is much controversy over the long term safety of consumption of colloidal silver. Very high intake of colloidal silver has been reported to give rise to tumors in the liver and spleen of animals (Metals in Clinical and Analytical Chemistry, eds. Seiler, Segel and Segel, 1994). However, these data may not have relevance to the effects of chronic, low level consumption by humans.

Strontium in a hair analysis can provide valuable information about an individual's body burden of strontium and its correlation with calcium levels in body tissues. Strontium levels in hair can be influenced by both endogenous (internal) and exogenous (external) sources. Endogenous sources of strontium in hair originate from the body's strontium pools within blood and bones, while exogenous sources represent external environmental influences from aerosols, particulates, and environmental waters. Hair strontium levels can be raised by external contamination, typically from hair treatment products like permanent solutions, dyes, or bleaches. Elevated strontium in hair due to these treatments is likely an artifact and may not accurately reflect the level of strontium in other tissues.

Sulfur levels in hair analysis can provide valuable insights into an individual's health and nutritional status. Here's what sulfur signifies in hair analysis: → Dietary Sulfur Intake: Sulfur is an essential mineral that is obtained through the diet, primarily from sulfur-containing amino acids like cysteine and methionine. Hair analysis can indicate the individual's dietary sulfur intake. → Protein and Keratin Formation: Sulfur is a critical component of proteins, including the protein keratin found in hair. Adequate sulfur levels are necessary for the formation of strong and healthy hair. → Detoxification Processes: Sulfur is also involved in the body's detoxification processes. Sulfur-containing compounds help the body eliminate toxins and heavy metals, and hair analysis can reveal how effectively these processes are functioning. → Hair Health: Low sulfur levels in hair may suggest potential issues with hair health and growth. It can be associated with conditions like brittle or thinning hair. → Nutritional Status: Sulfur levels in hair can reflect an individual's overall nutritional status. Low sulfur levels may indicate a deficiency in sulfur-containing amino acids or other nutrients in the diet. → Toxic Exposure: On the other hand, excessively high sulfur levels in hair may be a sign of exposure to environmental pollutants or sulfur-containing compounds. It's important to note that interpreting hair analysis results, including sulfur levels, should be done by healthcare professionals or experts in the field. The significance of sulfur levels can vary from person to person, and a comprehensive assessment of the individual's health, diet, and environmental factors is necessary for a more accurate understanding of the implications.

a highly toxic element

There is no specific information available regarding the significance of thorium in hair analysis. Thorium is a radioactive element, and its presence in hair analysis is not commonly assessed for health or diagnostic purposes. Hair analysis is typically used to measure the levels of essential and non-essential minerals and elements in the body, but radioactive elements like thorium are not part of routine hair analysis. If you have concerns about exposure to thorium or its potential health effects, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or a specialist in radiation exposure. They can provide guidance on appropriate tests and evaluations to assess any potential health risks associated with radioactive substances like thorium. For information specific to thorium and its effects on health or its significance in hair analysis, it may be necessary to consult scientific literature or experts in the field of radiobiology and radiation exposure. Correlations among the levels of thorium (Th) in hair and other tissues have yet to be established. However, recent studies performed at DDI found significantly elevated levels of Th in hair in sub-populations in India where levels of Th are naturally high in the environment. Th is a radioactive element with 13 known isotopes; 232Th constitutes 99% of the naturallyoccurring Th. 232Th is the isotope measured at DDI and reported for this sample. 232Th has a half-life of 1.410 years. It decays by alpha-emission to produce radon, 228Ra. In turn 228Ra (half-life 6.7 years) decays to other radioactive isotopes, and eventually converts to lead. This radioactive decay process produces alpha, beta, and gamma emissions. Th is considered mildly toxic for two reasons, the low-level radioactivity and slight biochemical toxicity. Th salts at high levels may inhibit amylase and phosphatase enzymes. Most orally ingested Th, if not excreted in urine, binds to bone tissue where it has a long biological halflife (years). Th has about the same abundance in the earth as does lead and is encountered in mining for titanium and rare earth elements. Commercially, Th is used in incandescent gas lantern mantles, refractory materials, and as a coating for tungsten in electronic applications. Th may also be present in tungsten-inert-gas (TIG) welding electrodes.

levels correlate with environmental exposure

Titanium (Ti) is measured in hair to assist in the identification of external contamination of hair by treatments and products. Shampoos, dyes, and “highlighting” are the primary sources of Ti, which binds tenaciously to hair. Ti dioxide is the most common form of Ti used as a whitening agent (toothpaste, conditioners, shampoos, etc.). It is also used for industrial purposes; e.g., coating of welding rods and as white pigment in paints, dyes, and paper fillers. Ti dioxide and other Ti containing compounds have extremely low toxicity. The elevated level of Ti in the hair sample is most likely without clinical significance. Do consider surgical or dental implants as a possible source of elevated Ti in hair.

The levels of uranium (U) in hair usually reflect levels of U in other tissues. However, hair may be externally contaminated by shampoos or hair products that contain U. U is a nonessential element that is very abundant in rock, particularly granite, lignite, monazite sands, and phosphate rocks. U is present at widely varying levels in drinking water, root vegetables, and present in high phosphate fertilizers. Other sources of U include: ceramics, some colored glass, many household products and tailings from U mines. Spent U rods have been milled into armor piercing bullets and missile heads. Uranyl cations bind tenaciously to protein, phosphate, nucleotides, and bone, where it substitutes for Ca. Published data are sparse, but there appears to be a correlation between U exposure, nephrotoxicity and cancer. Kidney and bone are the primary sites of U accumulation. All isotopes of U are radioactive; 238U is the most abundant and lowest energy emitter. It is important to note that the measured result, which is 238U, does NOT necessarily indicate or imply exposure to highly enriched 235U, which is used in nuclear power and weaponry. Chronic fatigue is often reported in association with hair U levels >0.5 micro g/g (DDI observations). U is rapidly cleared from blood and deposited in tissues. Currently, DTPA is the only effective treatment for ACUTE U poisoning. However, it must be administered immediately and is not effective once U has transferred from blood to tissues.

A high level of zinc (Zn) in hair may be indicative of low Zn in cells, and functional Zn deficiency. Zn can be displaced from proteins such as intracellular metallothionein by other metals, particularly cadmium, lead, copper, and mercury (Toxicology of Metals, 1994), resulting in paradoxically elevated hair Zn. Zn may also be high in hair as a result of the use of Zn- containing anti-dandruff shampoo. Rough or dry, flaky skin is a symptom of Zn deficiency, so it is not uncommon for Zn deficient patients to use an anti-dandruff shampoo. A result of high hair Zn warrants further testing to assess Zn status. Zn is an essential element that is required in many very important biological processes. However, Zn can be toxic if exposure is excessive. Although uncommon, high hair Zn might be indicative of Zn overload which could result from Zn contaminated water (galvanized pipes), welding or gross, chronic over-supplementation (100 mg/ day). Other sources of Zn exposure include: manufacture of brass, bronze, white paint, pesticide production, galvanization of steel and iron products, dry cell batteries, and use in rubber, textile, and ceramic industries. Symptoms of Zn excess include: gastrointestinal disorders, decreased heme synthesis (copper deficiency), tachycardia, blurred vision, and hypothermia. Confirmatory tests for Zn status are whole blood or packed red blood cell elements analysis, and serum ceruloplasmin (low with Zn induced copper deficiency). Urinary Zn will be elevated to some extent post EDTA/ DMPS even in patients who do not have Zn overload.

Zirconium is one of the elements measured in hair element testing offered by Doctor's Data. This test is designed to assess the levels of various elements, including both toxic and essential ones, in a person's hair. Zirconium testing can be valuable for several purposes, such as evaluating toxic element exposure, assessing the effects of excessive fish consumption, and investigating conditions like alopecia, depression, fatigue, malabsorption, hypertension, and impaired health. ------------ Testing for zirconium in hair analysis is not a common practice in standard hair mineral analysis. Hair analysis typically focuses on the assessment of essential and toxic elements like calcium, magnesium, zinc, lead, mercury, etc., to evaluate a person's nutritional status and exposure to harmful substances. Zirconium is not considered an essential element for the human body, and there is limited clinical evidence to suggest a specific health significance associated with zirconium levels in hair. Therefore, it is not a routine element included in hair mineral analysis profiles. In some cases, zirconium levels in hair might be mentioned in research studies, especially those exploring the relationship between exposure to certain environmental factors and hair element levels. For example, a study mentioned in the search results indicated an association between zirconium levels in hair and a specific population's exposure, but this is not part of routine health assessments. If there is a specific reason to test for zirconium exposure, it would typically be done through other means, such as blood or urine tests, and would be guided by a healthcare professional based on individual circumstances or potential occupational or environmental exposures.