If you’ve been told your blood work is “normal” yet you’re still battling exhaustion, you need a new approach. At Scientific Nutrition, we specialize in Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) for root-cause health so you can stop chasing symptoms and address the cellular source of your health challenges.
| Common Questions | The Fast Answer |
| Why choose HTMA over a blood test? | HTMA shows a 3-month “movie” of cellular mineral levels, whereas blood only shows a 1-minute “snapshot.” |
| How does HTMA detect heavy metal toxicity? | It reveals long-term storage of metals that the body has moved out of the blood and into the tissues. |
| Why do I need a coach for my HTMA report? | Cellular health coaching ensures you don’t misinterpret complex ratios and take the wrong supplements. |
| Can I use my HSA/FSA account? | Yes, many HSA/FSA plans cover HTMA lab testing and professional-grade supplements. |
General Testing & Sample Collection Instructions
Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) is a non-invasive screening test that measures the mineral and toxic metal content of the hair. It will provide a biological record of metabolic activity. Unlike standard blood draws, HTMA reveals a 1 to 2 month “movie” of your cellular health.
To collect an HTMA sample, simply snip about a teaspoon sized sample strip of hair from the middle of the back of your head. You can also take it from the nape of your neck, as close to the scalp as possible. Cut the excess length after a 1/2 inch. Please watch the video below.
Chemical treatments like dye, bleach, or perms can alter specific mineral levels. We recommend using “virgin” hair (at least 1 inch of new growth) or taking a sample from an untreated area.
The highest-quality HTMA tests are performed by labs that do not wash the hair sample. It washes strips away essential minerals like sodium and potassium. We utilize Analytical Research Labs, Inc. (ARL) to ensure your data is clinically accurate.
Yes. HTMA is completely safe and non-invasive for all ages, including children, pregnant women, and postpartum mothers.
For the most accurate baseline of your current status, we recommend staying on your current routine. This allows us to see if your current supplements are working or contributing to further imbalances.
Coaching, Pricing & Service Logistics
While you can order a kit online, a coach is essential for interpreting complex mineral ratios. A report might show high magnesium, but a coach knows that could indicate you are losing magnesium due to stress. Our experience can give you answers. We turn your data into a customized action plan.
Our packages include the lab test, supplement recommendations with explanation, a comprehensive report, and a personalized coaching consultation. Prices vary based on the level of support you need.
In many cases, yes! Since HTMA is a laboratory test used to guide nutritional support, many HSA and FSA plans cover the cost with medical coding. Professional-grade supplements through Endo-Met Labs may also be eligible.
Order your initial kit and schedule a free consultation! Once you receive your kit, collect the sample and mail it directly to the lab. We will then schedule an in-depth, 1 hour complimentary call to review and build your customized path to cellular health.
Mineral Interrelationships Wheel
Understanding Mineral Ratios & The Mineral Interrelationships Wheel
Interpreting a Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) goes far beyond looking at individual mineral levels in isolation; it requires analyzing the complex, systemic web of how minerals interact with one another. The Mineral Interrelationships Wheel illustrates the dual nature of these biological relationships: synergistic (minerals that co-operate to enhance absorption and function) and antagonistic (minerals that compete for cellular binding sites or inhibit one another’s absorption).
For example, high tissue calcium can inhibit potassium uptake, slowing cellular thyroid hormone entry, while excess copper can deplete zinc stores, altering adrenal function and copper bioavailability.
Because no mineral acts in a vacuum, focusing strictly on single-nutrient supplements often worsens underlying cellular imbalances. By analyzing these critical electrolyte ratios such as Calcium-to-Potassium (Ca/K) and Sodium-to-Potassium (Na/K), HTMA cellular health coaching reveals the true root-cause patterns driving chronic fatigue, systemic inflammation, and metabolic stress—allowing for precise, orthomolecular nutritional targeted protocols rather than guesswork.