Today there are many metabolic and nutritional tests. Many people ask, why use tissue mineral analysis? Let us review some compelling reasons for the use of the tissue mineral test.

1. Minerals play an integral role in the body’s many intra and extra cellular functions. Their presence is essential for all enzyme, hormone, protein and other biochemical activities.

Other roles of minerals are as catalysts, facilitators or inhibitors of thousands of critical enzymes that control most body functions. Minerals also form the basis for the osmotic balance in the body and for acid-base regulation.

2. The status of the minerals can quickly provide information about the endocrine, digestive, cardiovascular and other body systems. Mineral deficiencies are known to be associated with dysfunctions of critical body systems.

For example, magnesium is critical for the cardiovascular system. Zinc is critical for the immune system. Manganese, chromium and zinc are critical for blood sugar regulation.

3. Mineral deficiencies are among the most common and serious nutritional deficiencies in our population. Depleted soils yield food that is low in minerals. Refining and processing of many foods further reduces their mineral content. Physical and emotional stress, aging, pregnancy and the use of prescription drugs increase the body’s needs for certain minerals. These factors together add up to major mineral deficiencies in much of the population.

In addition, most children today are born deficient in essential minerals and with elevated levels of toxic metals due to imbal­ances in their parents. Mineral analysis can reveal these imbalances and guide their correction.

4. Minerals are relatively easy and inexpensive to measure accurately and reliably. In contrast, measuring vitamins, hormones and other factors in the body are often more costly and less accurate.

5. Toxic metals are known to affect many body systems and organ function. Tissue mineral analysis would be very valuable if it were only used to detect heavy metal poisoning. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, in a report of 400 studies completed in August 1979, heavy metal toxicity is the second most prevalent environ­mental problem in America.

At times, such as in acute emergencies, it is important to know the instantaneous biochemical state of the body. This is where blood and urine tests excel. However, momentary findings may obscure underlying chronic patterns that lead to disease. This is where tissue mineral testing is so valuable.

Mineral analysis is a predictive and preventive test. Because it provides a long-term record and offers early detection, hair analysis is an excellent predictive and preventive tool. Most health conditions are the result of imbalances that take years to develop.

Even a cold will usually not occur unless the terrain or condition of the body provides an opportunity for it to manifest. Hair analysis can help reveal the condition of the body that permits illness to develop. There are few such tests that offer so much predictive and preventive information at such a reasonable cost.

Tissue Mineral Analysis (TMA) is an invaluable tool for athletes looking to maximize their performance and well-being. TMA is a non-invasive test that measures the levels of essential minerals in the body, such as magnesium, calcium, and zinc. By analyzing the ratios of these minerals, athletes can gain a better understanding of their body’s mineral balance and how it may be affecting their performance. With TMA, athletes can identify any imbalances and make adjustments to their diet and lifestyle to optimize their performance. Additionally, TMA can be used to identify any underlying health issues, such as nutrient deficiencies or heavy metal toxicity, that could be impairing an athlete’s performance. By understanding the body’s mineral balance, athletes can make informed decisions about their health and performance.