HTMA Testing and your horse
What is hair mineral analysis?
Hair tissue mineral analysis (HTMA) is a non-invasive test that measures the mineral levels in hair. A sample is taken from the first inch and a half of mane closest to neck. This sample is processed in a licensed lab using chemical and high-temperature methods. Advanced equipment and techniques are then used to ensure accurate results.
Why use the hair? Why not use the blood?
Hair is an excellent choice for sampling and testing. It can be cut easily and sent to the lab without special care. Clinical results show that a properly collected sample can indicate mineral levels and toxic metals from long-term or recent exposure. A hair tissue mineral analysis (HTMA) offers a detailed view of cellular activity that most other tests miss, showing the biochemistry during hair growth. Hair tissue gives a history, whereas blood work is a snapshot. Both are important and each tell us valuable information about the internal workings of the system.
Hair is a key tissue used by the Environmental Protection Agency to assess exposure to toxic metals. A 1980 report from the E.P.A. stated that human hair can be effectively used for biological monitoring of the highest priority toxic metals. This report confirmed other studies from the U.S. and other countries, suggesting that hair may be a better tissue than blood or urine for examining community exposure to certain trace elements.
Why test for minerals?
Trace minerals are essential in countless metabolic functions in all phases of the life process.
Zinc is involved in the production, storage and secretion of insulin and is necessary for growth hormones.
Magnesium is required for normal muscular function, especially the heart. A deficiency has been associated with an increased incidence of abnormal heart conditions, anxiety and nervousness.
Potassium is critical for normal nutrient transport into the cell. A deficiency can result in muscular weakness, mild depression and lethargy.
Excess sodium is associated with hypertension, but adequate amounts are required for normal health.
What insights can be gained from HTMA?
Mineral imbalances: Hair contains a history that can be analyzed for deficiencies and excesses. For example: low magnesium could suggest stress, anxiety and a tendency for muscle cramping. High Calcium in relation to Magnesium would suggest slow metabolism or thyroid dysfunction.
Heavy Metal Toxicity: HTMA testing can detect potential issues that can develop from environmental exposure to toxic metals such as lead, arsenic, mercury, or even iron before long-term problems develop; which is why it is a great tool in conjunction with an Osteopathic approach to Whole Horse Heath.
Metabolic Typing: The balance of minerals like sodium and potassium provide insight into metabolic types: slow, fast, or mixed oxidizers, which affect how the body processes foods and nutrients.
Adrenal & Thyroid function: HTMA can suggest issues with these important glands by looking at imbalances. For instance, high calcium in ratio to potassium may indicate sluggish thyroid. While conversely, low sodium to magnesium ratio could suggest adrenal fatigue.
Nervous system health: Mineral imbalances can be linked to neurological issues, mood disorders, and anxiety. HTMA allows us to identify patterns and make nutritional and supplemental corrective measures more accurately.
HTMA does not replace the valuable information gained by doing blood work or handling ACUTE medical concerns and should not be used in place of veterinary diagnosis and treatments. It is valuable when it comes to the long term assessment of the whole horse and may provide a window into some of the mysteries that seem challenging conventionally.
What can cause a mineral imbalance?
There are many factors to take into consideration, such as:
Diet - Improper diet through high intake of refined and processed foods, and fad supplements can all lead to a chemical imbalance. Even the nutrient content of a "healthy" diet can be inadequate, depending upon the soil in which the food was grown or the method in which it was prepared.
Stress - Physical or emotional stress can deplete the body of many nutrients while also reducing the capability to absorb and utilize many nutrients.
Medications - Both prescription and incorrect herbal formulations can deplete the body stores of nutrient minerals and/or increase the levels of toxic metals.
Pollution - From birth to adulthood the average horse is continually exposed to a variety of toxic metal sources such as pesticides and herbicides, shampoos, fly sprays, food processing, and fertilizers. These are just a few of the hundreds of sources which can contribute to nutrient imbalances and adverse metabolic effects.
Nutritional Supplements - Taking incorrect supplements or improper amounts of supplements can produce many vitamin and mineral excesses and/or deficiencies, contributing to an overall biochemical imbalance.
Inherited Patterns - A predisposition toward certain mineral imbalances, deficiencies and excesses can be inherited from parents.
Can vitamin requirements be determined from a mineral test?
Minerals interact with vitamins, proteins, carbohydrates, and fats, influencing each other and mineral status. They serve as enzyme activators, with vitamins acting as coenzymes. Mineral disturbances often coincide with vitamin disturbances. For instance, vitamin C impacts iron absorption and copper retention; boron and iron affect vitamin B2 status; vitamin B2 influences calcium and magnesium; vitamin B1 promotes sodium retention; vitamin B12 enhances iron and cobalt absorption; and vitamin A aids zinc utilization while antagonizing vitamins D and E. Protein intake also affects zinc status. Thus, assessing mineral status can indicate vitamin needs.
Is Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis supported by research?
Hair tissue mineral analysis is well-supported by extensive literature in respected national and international scientific publications. For over twenty-five years, over 150,000 hair mineral assays are performed annually by federally licensed clinical laboratories in the U.S. for healthcare professionals seeking additional screening aids. This excludes thousands of subjects in ongoing research by private and government agencies.
Interested in having an HTMA test?
Great! Not all laboratories are created equal when it comes to delivering reliable and precise results. Garnas Equine proudly partners with Trace Elements Lab, which is internationally renowned for its exceptional accuracy and science-based results that horse owners can truly trust. Unlike many other HTMA services available, they do not sell additional equine supplements or promote any specific protocols, ensuring that their focus remains solely on providing unbiased results. All test outcomes are thoroughly evaluated by Leeann, who will discuss them with you in detail. This conversation may include suggestions for possible adjustments to your horse's feed or supplements aimed at addressing any imbalances identified in the results. Additionally, if necessary, further testing can be coordinated, along with any concerns you may wish to address with your veterinarian.
If interested, Garnas EQuine is excited to offer HTMA testing as a new service. Please see HTMA Test information on products page.