Interview with Dr. Anna Romaniuk. Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) is a method that generates both interest and controversy. On the one hand, it is used in biomonitoring and environmental research; on the other, it is sometimes misinterpreted as a diagnostic tool. In this article, presented as a conversation with Dr. Anna Romaniuk, we explain what HTMA actually shows, what its limitations are, and how its results should be interpreted in practice.
What hair mineral analysis is – and what it is not
Dr. Anna Romaniuk: Hair mineral analysis is not a diagnostic test and should not be used to diagnose diseases. It does not replace laboratory tests such as blood or urine analysis.
However, HTMA may provide information about:
- long-term mineral trends
- mineral balance in the body
- environmental exposure to selected elements
The most common issue is not the method itself, but its overinterpretation. If someone expects to diagnose a disease based on hair analysis, that is a mistaken assumption.
Why can HTMA results differ from blood test results?
Dr. Anna Romaniuk: Blood is a tightly regulated tissue controlled by homeostatic mechanisms. The body maintains its parameters within a narrow range, even in situations of deficiency or overload.
Hair, on the other hand:
- is not subject to strict homeostatic regulation
- reflects changes occurring over a longer period
Therefore, it is possible that:
- blood test results fall within normal ranges
- while hair analysis indicates long-term changes in mineral balance
This does not indicate a contradiction—these tests simply provide different types of information about the body
What determines the reliability of HTMA?
Dr. Anna Romaniuk: Three key factors are important:
Laboratory method – the most commonly used techniques are:
- ICP-OES
- ICP-MS
These are also used in environmental toxicology.
Laboratory standardization – Important elements include:
- sample preparation procedures
- instrument calibration
- quality control
Interpretation of results – HTMA evaluates not only individual element levels, but also their relationships (mineral ratios). Without this context, it is easy to draw incorrect conclusions.
What are the most common interpretation mistakes?
Dr. Anna Romaniuk: The most common mistakes include:
- treating HTMA as a diagnostic tool
- interpreting single results without context
- supplementing based solely on results
- ignoring lifestyle, diet, and stress
It is also often overlooked that a single result has limited value. The greatest value comes from analyzing changes over time.
When does hair mineral analysis make sense?
Dr. Anna Romaniuk: HTMA can be useful as a tool for:
- monitoring lifestyle changes
- observing the effects of diet or supplementation
- assessing long-term environmental exposure
However, it should not be used as the only test in situations requiring medical diagnosis.
How to use HTMA results safely?
Dr. Anna Romaniuk: The most important principles are:
- focusing on trends rather than single values
- repeating the test every 3–6 months
- considering health context and lifestyle
- treating HTMA as part of a broader assessment
HTMA can provide valuable insights, but only when properly interpreted.
Hair mineral analysis (HTMA) is a method used in biomonitoring and environmental research that can provide information about long-term changes in mineral balance. Key takeaways:
- HTMA is not a diagnostic test
- results should be interpreted in context
- the method works best as a monitoring tool
- laboratory quality and interpretation are critical
If, after reading this article, you would like to check your long-term mineral status:
– the test is performed using a hair sample collected by yourself
– the analysis is carried out using the ICP-OES method
– you receive a report describing the elements and their proportions
Is HTMA a diagnostic test?
Why do HTMA results differ from blood tests?
Is HTMA reliable?
Can supplementation be based on HTMA results?
How often should HTMA be performed?
Does HTMA detect heavy metals?
Interview with Dr. Anna Romaniuk – Doctor of natural sciences, microbiologist, immunologist and nutritional psychologist. She specialises in the diagnosis and therapy of gut microflora disorders in children on the autism spectrum, autoimmune and allergic diseases, including atopic dermatitis.
Bibliografia:
- Kempson IM, Lombi E. Hair analysis as a biomonitor for toxicology, disease and health status. Chemical Society Reviews. 2011.
- Seidel S i wsp. Assessment of commercial laboratories performing hair mineral analysis. JAMA. 2001.
- Bass DA i wsp. Trace element analysis in hair: Factors determining accuracy, precision, and reliability. Biological Trace Element Research
Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) is a functional and preventive tool. It does not replace medical diagnostics or a consultation with a physician.
This material is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice within the meaning of applicable regulations.
