Elements

Since the body is unable to produce essential elements, those that are needed for function must be regularly consumed to make up for daily losses. Sometimes, however, exposure to elements that are needed in only very small amounts (or not at all) may be in excess and can cause toxicity. Measuring the trace element content of hair is a method of screening for possible health threats due to deficiencies or excesses of minerals. Hair reflects a longer interval of time than most tissues and body fluids. Measuring concentrations of elements in erythrocytes provides a look at how well cellular levels are maintained because erythrocyte mineral levels reflect mineral status over a period of 4 months (the life cycle of an erythrocyte). Other specimens, like urine or plasma, are affected by daily dietary fluctuations. In the process of their formation in bone marrow, erythrocytes acquire nutrient elements like zinc according to the availability of each element. The same may be said for the toxic elements, which means that high levels of these raise suspicion of chronic tissue penetration due to toxic exposure and inadequate detoxification mechanisms. All of the essential trace elements are dependent on stomach acid production for intestinal absorption.