| Hair element analysis provides important
information which, in conjunction with a patient's symptoms, medical
history, and other laboratory results, can assist the physician with
an early diagnosis of physiological disorders associated with aberrations
in essential and toxic element metabolism. Hair analysis is very well
documented with respect to measuring heavy metals such as lead, mercury,
cadmium, and arsenic. Hair element analysis should not be considered
a stand-alone diagnostic test for essential element function. |
| Concern has been raised over the
link between exposure to heavy metal toxins and neurological brain
damage associated with learning and behavioral disorders in children.
Research shows that exposure to heavy metals such as lead and mercury
can impair brain development at very early ages-even at low doses
previously deemed harmless.
Children are particularly susceptible to the deleterious effects
of heavy metal exposure for several reasons. Their developing nervous
systems are more sensitive, their bodies absorb toxins more rapidly,
and clear them from the system more slowly, than adults. Also, a
child's blood-brain barrier, the natural protective mechanism which
blocks harmful substances from entering and damaging the brain,
is not yet fully formed.
Professionals working in the field of autism have expressed concern
that some autistic children may have been exposed to potentially
damaging levels of ethyl mercury, contained in a preservative used
in certain vaccinations. Clinical neurobehavorial symptoms of mercury
poisoning seem to closely parallel many common symptoms of autism.
In addition, several studies have associated high lead levels in
children with autism. Elevated levels of lead in hair, signifying
long-term toxic exposure to this heavy metal, have been correlated
with increased behavior abnormalities and learning disorders in
children. Based on clinicians' observations, antimony, a potential
toxin found in some fire retardant materials, is also a possible
cause for concern.
It is important to remember that heavy metals are pervasive toxic
threats in a child's environment, with air, soil, water, and food
all potential vectors of exposure. Ultimately, the biochemical individuality
of each child may play an important role in influencing whether
or not such exposure produces neurological damage. Evidence suggests
that autistic children may be less able to detoxify toxic agents
they are exposed to from the environment and this inability may
predispose the children to suffer neural damage consistent with
autistic behavioral traits.
Elemental Analysis (hair, blood, or urine) evaluates body burden
of heavy metal toxins and nutritional adequacy of important mineral
elements. Each specimen type provides a unique window into element
status. A hair sample will reflect chronic toxic exposure and long-term
nutritional deficiencies, while blood and urine assessment will
gauge the effects of more recent imbalances. Possible treatments
for element imbalances include chelation therapy, nutrient supplements,
vitamins, water purifying systems, dietary changes, and other natural
approaches.
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