These key minerals form the foundation of HTMA, and their proportions reflect: metabolic rate, hormonal balance, stress response, and nervous system status.
1. Calcium (Ca) – metabolism and the nervous system
High Ca:
- slow metabolism
- low energy conversion
- nervous tension
Low Ca:
- nervous hypersensitivity
- sleep disturbances
- fast metabolism
2. Magnesium (Mg) – relaxation and energy
High Mg:
- blocks calcium absorption
- weakness
- low energy
Low Mg:
- muscle tension
- insomnia
- irritability
3. Zinc (Zn) – immunity, testosterone, regeneration
High Zn = low Cu
Low Zn = reduced detoxification, weakened immunity
4. Copper (Cu) – thyroid function, energy
High Cu:
- inflammatory state
- “oxidized copper”
- mood disturbances
Low Cu:
- reduced energy
- mitochondrial dysfunction
5. Sodium (Na) – stress response
High Na:
- cortisol effect
- state of overactivation
Low Na:
- adrenal exhaustion
- fatigue
6. Potassium (K) – cellular balance
High K:
- nervous overexcitability
Low K:
- low stress tolerance
- heart rhythm disturbances
Key ratios
Ca/Mg – nervous balance
- high: tension, anxiety
- low: insulin resistance
Zn/Cu – inflammatory status
- high: copper deficiency
- low: chronic oxidative stress
Key Takeaways
- Each mineral corresponds to a metabolic function.
- Ratios matter more than individual values.
- HTMA reflects long-term energy and stress status.
1. What does high calcium (Ca) in hair indicate?
It usually indicates slow metabolism, chronic stress, or impaired calcium regulation. It is not the same as high calcium in blood.
2. Why is the Ca/Mg ratio so important?
It is one of the key indicators of metabolic rate and stress response. A high Ca/Mg ratio often suggests chronic overload.
3. What does a low Na/K ratio indicate?
HPA axis strain, chronic fatigue, or electrolyte imbalance.
4. What does high copper (Cu) or a low Zn/Cu ratio mean?
Possible hormonal imbalance, inflammation, or long-term oxidative stress. This is not a diagnosis — only a metabolic clue.
5. Can mineral interpretation replace a medical diagnosis?
No — HTMA is not a diagnostic tool, but it provides valuable metabolic context for understanding long-term stress and imbalances.
References:
- Gibson, R. S. (2005). Principles of Nutritional Assessment. Oxford University Press. The role of trace elements in metabolism, hormonal regulation, and glucose homeostasis.
- Mullaney, D., et al. (2013). Hair mineral analysis: An effective tool for assessing long-term mineral status. Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine.
- Park, S. et al. (2016). Analysis of trace elements in scalp hair as indicators of nutrition and health status. Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
- Bergdahl, I. A. (2005). Methods for biological monitoring of exposure to metals. Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health.
