Why I Love HTMA Testing for Children: A game changer for children's health!
- suzylouhayes
- Mar 11
- 4 min read
Discover how Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) can provide invaluable insights into children's health, behavior, and development.
In my practice one of my favorite tests to use for children is comprehensive Hair Tissue mineral analysis (HTMA).Unlike traditional blood tests, HTMA for kids offers a non-invasive, insightful way to assess mineral imbalances, heavy metal exposure, and overall nutritional status.
Hair follicle testing has become increasingly popular sadly because of the enormous amounts of toxins in our environment as well as depleting nutrients in the foods we eat. It is non-invasive, as it just requires a small sample of hair, no needles which can be a challenge for most kids.
How Does HTMA Work? A Simple Explanation
To put it simply, Hair is an excretory tissue, therefore different elements are left behind in the follicle, like a time capsule that we are able to tap into to ensure your child’s body has everything it needs to grow and develop.
Why its Ideal
Identifies Nutrient Deficiencies – Many common childhood issues—like fatigue, mood swings, hyperactivity, poor sleep, and learning difficulties—can be linked to mineral imbalances as well as Heavy metal toxicity from
Detects Heavy Metal Toxicity – Environmental toxins like lead, mercury, and aluminum can accumulate in children’s bodies causing a whole host of issues.
Strenghtens Immunity – Nutrient deficiencies can weaken immune defenses. HTMA helps ensure your child has the right minerals for a healthy immune system
Improved Digestive & Gut Health – Minerals play a vital role in digestion and gut function, reducing issues like bloating, constipation, or food sensitivities.
Signs Your Child Might Need an HTMA Test:
Behavior challenges is my number one reason to run HTMA, this includes hyperactivity, irritability, extreme fussy eating, and anxiety. If a child has been diagnosed with ADHD.
Low energy levels: Fatigue
Sleep Issues and Inability to fall asleep
Difficulty focusing or learning, trouble with memory in school
Frequent illnesses and or slow recovery from illnesses
Skin issues and or eczema
If child has been exposed to toxins or has unexplained symptoms that blood tests do not shed light on.
Common Mineral Imbalances in Kids (HTMA Insights)
Copper Dysregulation
The number one issue I see in kids with behavior issues and picky eating is Copper dysregulation. The two key minerals that have a major influence on our brain and mental health is the zinc:copper ratio.
Zinc helps make the brains calming neurotransmitter called GABA which also keeps us buoyant and happy. Zinc can be considered our calming ,balancing ,stabilizing mineral as well as a strong anti-oxidant.
Copper is what fires up the brain and can be considered a conductor of electricity. When in excess it can alter the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain especially dopamine and noradrenaline. These imbalances cause a child to be quick to anger and swing into full blown tantrums whereas for adults it will cause anxiety and depression. There are many reasons for this common issue worldwide today including extremely deficient soils as well as low intake of zinc rich foods ( meat and seafood)
There is often a strong correlation with kids that have high copper with other mineral imbalances and heavy metal relationships that can trigger symptoms of ADHD and hyperactivity. Through HTMA you can determine the actual level of unbound copper as well as other nutritional imbalances.
The link between High copper and Candida Overgrowth
Another challenge that I see a lot in kids is where there is high copper there is often Candida Overgrowth. The reason being, if copper levels become too high, it becomes bio-unavailable and results in a deficiency for the body’s use. This will allow Candida and yeast overgrowth to flourish. This is when our picky eating kids (low zinc) become even fussier. I call these my “beige kids” as they will only want to eat pasta, rice, sweet treats and fruit. This high level of copper will impair digestion and slow down bowel movements, which can result in gas or bloating. The deficiency in zinc status can also lead to permeability of the gut lining, more commonly known as leaky gut. It’s the perfect storm.
Thankfully balancing copper excess in children can be quite fast comparing to adults.
Hidden Heavy Metal Toxicity in Kids: What You Need to Know
High lead levels in Children
Lead can often be found in tap water and can contribute to hyperactivity, inattention as well as learning difficulties.
Aluminum exposure in kids
Is sadly very common today and can be found in many medications and personal care products. If your child was ever on a proton pump inhibitor as a baby for acid reflux then you need to check their AL levels. It can also be transferred from mom during pregnancy. Its sadly been found in many baby formula especially soy. High aluminum is linked to neurodevelopmental issues, hyperactivity, confusion, and fatigue. Studies have even linked it to autism and dementia.
Mercury toxicity in kids
Sadly a lot of kids today have high mercury due to eating fish as well as childhood routine vaccines. If your kid eats a lot of tuna they likely have high mercury. As a general rule the larger the fish the higher amount of mercury it will have. Since mercury can be transferred in utero, mothers with dental amalgams may unknowingly expose their babies to mercury before birth.
Curious about how HTMA can support your child’s health? Book a free discovery call today!