Profile 1, Trace Elements (Hair)
Performed by: Trace Elements
The Profile 1, Trace Elements (Hair) test panel, offered by Trace Elements Inc., is a comprehensive diagnostic tool designed to assess the levels of various trace elements and heavy metals in the body through hair analysis. This test measures the concentrations of both essential and toxic elements, providing a valuable insight into an individual's nutritional status and potential exposure to toxic elements. Elements commonly analyzed include calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper, selenium, and toxic metals like lead, mercury, and arsenic. Hair is an excellent medium for this analysis because it accumulates trace elements over time, offering a unique long-term view of mineral status and exposure to toxic substances. The results from this test can aid healthcare professionals in identifying potential deficiencies or excesses of essential minerals, as well as exposure to toxic elements, which can be critical in diagnosing various health conditions and developing tailored treatment plans. The Profile 1 test is widely used due to its non-invasive nature and the ability to reflect long-term metabolic activity, making it a valuable tool in preventive health care and the management of nutritional and environmental factors affecting health.
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Biomarkers included in this panel:
Beryllium ores are used to make speciality ceramics for electrical and high-technology applications, also used in nuclear weapons and reactors, aircraft and space vehicle structures, instruments, x-ray machines, and mirrors. Beryllium alloys are u
Learn moreBismuth is a heavy, brittle metal with a white, silver-pink hue, typically found in small amounts in the earth's crust and often used in various industrial, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical applications, such as in the manufacturing of low-melting al
Learn moreIdeal ratio of 4.2:1 with an acceptable ideal range of 2.2 to 6.2. Calcium is affected by several hormones and is considered to be under parasympathetic control. Therefore, the hormone cascade that affects the retention of calcium also affects thy
Learn moreIdeal ratio of 7:1 with an acceptable range from 3 to 11. Calcium and magnesium are regulated by the parathyroid, thyroid and estrogen, as well as through renal function. A markedly elevated Ca/Mg ratio reflects the potential for parathyroid hormone
Learn moreThe ratio of Ca/P in hair refers to the ratio of calcium (Ca) to phosphorus (P) concentrations in a sample of hair. Calcium and phosphorus are both essential minerals in the human body, and they play various roles in maintaining healthy bones, teeth,
Learn moreThe Ca/Pb ratio in hair refers to the ratio of calcium (Ca) to lead (Pb) concentrations in a hair sample. This ratio can be used as an indicator of potential lead exposure or lead toxicity in an individual. Lead is a toxic heavy metal that can have h
Learn moreA 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
Learn moreHair 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 leve
Learn moreHair 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 t
Learn moreLithium, when detected on a Profile 1, Trace Elements (Hair) test panel, plays a critical role in understanding one's exposure to this element and its potential impact on health. Primarily known for its use in psychiatric medication, particularly
Learn moreManganese (Mn) is an essential element which is involved in the activation of many important enzymes. However, Mn excess is postulated to result in glutathionyl radical formation, reduction of the free glutathione pool, and increased exposure of adre
Learn moreThe Sodium to Potassium ratio (Na/K) is a crucial indicator of stress on the adrenal glands, and its proper regulation is essential for maintaining overall health. Aldosterone and cortisol play key roles in controlling sodium and potassium levels in
Learn moreNa/Mg
The Na/Mg ratio in a Profile 1, Trace Elements (Hair) panel is crucial for assessing health and nutrition. This ratio, comparing Sodium (Na) and Magnesium (Mg), helps identify imbalances that may indicate conditions like hypertension or adrenal insuf
Learn morePotassium is a primary intra-cellular element required for fluid balance, nerve activity and muscle activity.
Learn moreRubidium is a relatively benign element that typically parallels the potassium level. It varies according to levels found in water supplies.
Learn moreSelenium is normally found in hair at very low levels, and several studies provide evidence that low hair Selenium is reflective of dietary intake and associated with cardiovascular disorders. Utilization of hair Selenium levels to assess nutritional
Learn moreStrontium 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 exo
Learn moreSulfur
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
Learn moreThe ideal ratio between zinc and copper is 8:1 with an acceptable range from 4 to 12. The minerals zinc and copper are influenced by several physiological factors, as well as hormonal factors, including estrogen, progesterone and testosterone.
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