Vitamin E Update
Vitamin E is a group of eight compounds, α-, β-, δ-, ϒ-tocopherols and α-, β-, δ-, ϒ-tocotrienols, which are lipid-soluble. All vitamin E isoforms have antioxidative, antiproliferative, pro-apoptotic, anti-angiogenic and anti-inflammatory effects (2,3). Vitamin E, although not as effective as Selenium, is also a very useful aid in detoxification and in the reduction of methylmercury toxicity (1). Key sources of tocopherols are sunflower & rapeseed oil, whereas important sources of tocotrienols...
Boron is far from Boring!
An in-depth look at Boron, its role in the body, the environment and in Australian HTMA Boron: An overview Boron is a naturally occurring element. It’s found in the environment, combined with oxygen and other elements in compounds called borates. Borates are widely found in nature, and are present in oceans, sedimentary rocks, coal, shale and some soils. Boron is released to the atmosphere via volcanic activity and from geothermal steam. It’s estimated...
Optimum Nutrition for Healthy Ageing
Each person’s nutritional requirement is unique based on complex factors including current health status and nutritional levels, absorption, exogenous stressors including medication, heavy metal toxicity, physical and emotional stress, and so forth. Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis empowers practitioners to identify the specific nutrient mineral imbalances and toxic element burdens, thereby enabling treatment on a bio-individual basis. Distinct mineral patterns can be seen in patients with diseases associated with ageing. Early detection...
Mastering Molybdenum
Mastering Molybdenum (Mo) Molybdenum Antagonists: Ca, Cu, S, Hg, W Molybdenum Synergists: Ca, Na, Fe, Se, Co, Vit D, B1, B12, C, B9 HTMA Summary: Indicative of methylation pathways. Cheerleader for Zinc Mo had been shown to reduce copper levels – competes for absorption & increases excretion in Urine. Enhanced adrenal and thyroid activity may increase excretion of copper allowing Mo to accumulate even without high dietary intake. (8) Molybdenum is an essential mineral...
Emotional Aspects of Na & K
A Quick reflection on Sodium and Potassium and the nervous system Increased Sodium, Potassium and Phosphorus Disturbances in sodium and potassium metabolism are commonly seen in psychiatric patients. Even minor disturbances can contribute to emotional changes, which may be reflected clinically as depression, phobias, withdrawal, repression and indecision; depending on each individual mineral pattern and other factors such as chronicity, inherited inclination, etc. Aggressive behaviour, hyperactivity and anxiety are all associated with low...
Children, Mineral Imbalances & HTMA
Undetected mineral imbalances in children and teenagers cause health, educational, behavioural and social issues. Many of these are preventable and can be minimised by understanding and managing diet. Hair tissue mineral analysis is the definitive tool used by practitioners to identify nutritional imbalances and to create a treatment plan for ongoing management. In a recent (2020) Polish study[i] it was found that an adequate intake of folates, vitamin D, vitamin E,...
The 2020 Slide into Summer!
As this momentous year slides to a close, we’re all looking forward to some summer holiday downtime. This year commenced on the back of nationwide drought, with devastating bushfires. By February, the bushfires were under control and COVID hit. What can one say? As practitioners, we spend much of our time giving. The simple truth is that you can’t take care of others until you take care of yourself! Since travel, dancing, getting...
Stress Overwhelm: What We Can Learn from a HTMA and the Mineral System
Rick Malter, Ph.D A hair tissue mineral analysis (HTMA) is an excellent lab tool for assessing how a person is being impacted by stress. The mind/body stress response reflects both psychological and physical reactions that can have a profound effect on a person’s health. There are reciprocal relationships between the mind/body stress response and a person’s nutrient mineral system. The parts of a hair nutrient mineral pattern that are most significant in regard...