We found out about hair mineral test analysis from a friend of ours.  From a sample of hair, they can determine the level of various minerals in the body, which is a useful analysis tool to determine if anything specific is lacking.  All three of us got the test done from InterClinical Laboratories.  If you ring them up they will send you out information and an envelope for you to place a sample of hair in (instructions provided as to how much and from where) and then for approx $150 they analyse it and send you both a patient and doctor report.  You do not need to be a naturopath or doctor to request it.

They also are able to tell what type of metabolism you are from the tests, and can also identify any possible things you might be at a higher risk for. They not only look at mineral levels individually they also compare various ratios of minerals that should also be present.

Mineral levels: The results of the test for Bethany indicated the following specific mineral levels:

• High levels of
• Potassium - 58, ref range 2-24
• Rubidium (associated with potassium) - 0.0390, ref range 0.0000-0.0190
• Boron - 2.5, ref range 0.02-0.91
• Tin - 0.040, ref range 0.000-0.030
• Selenium and Zinc were in the correct range, although just at the lower end of it.
• Low but not excessively low levels of
• Calcium - 21, ref range 22-97 
• Magnesium - 1.2, ref range 2-11
• Phosphorous - 10, ref range 11-20
• Iron - 0.4, ref range 0.5-1.6
• No toxic elements present - all well within reference range.
• Other results were within normal range.

Notes:

The probable source of Boron is that we use Borax in washing our tiled floors occassionally, and Beth spends a lot of time on the floor where her hair would come into contact with it - thus we feel this is due to external contamination.

The level of tin is likely due to the occassional use of tinned baby food.  We are going to entirly phase this out in favour of jar foods.

Potassium and Rubidium are apparently related.  It is common in the metabolism type that they class Bethany as.  It can be related to increased thyroid activity.

Metabolic Type: Fast #1.  Not uncommon in children, and it has a tendacy to increased thyroid and adrenal function (secretion of hormones).

Nutrient/Mineral Ratios:

Low:

• Sodium/Potassium ratio.  Can be indicative of cronic or severe stress pattern.  Can increase frequency of emotional mood swings.
• Calcium/Potassium ratio.  High potassium is antagonistic to calcium utilisation and retention.  This can indicate decreased absorption and increased excretion from the body.  Can cause a tendancy towards muscle cramps, insomnia and anxiety.  It should be noted that increased activity of adrenal and thyroid hormones is also antagonistic to calcium.  Indicated an increased requirement for calcium and vitamen D.

High:

• Sodium/Magnesium ratio.  Indicative of increased cellular magnesium requirements.  Excessive dietary sodium will decrease the ability for the body to absorb magnesium.  This is likely due to the seizures more than anything else as we don't put salt in Beth's food hardly at all.
• Calcium/Magnesium ratio.  May be indicative of abnormal calcium metabolism.  Increased need for magnesium in the diet.  A lack of vitamin B6  may cause retention of calcium and excretion of magnesium, may require supplementation.

In addition to this a number of dietary suggestions were also made.  These include foods that reduce and improve absorption of calcium and magnesium.  These results will assist us in adding some supplements to Beth's diet.  We are working on a dietary plan and supplement plan for Beth now and should publish it soon.