Reading Support for Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis
(Updated August 2026)
If you have recently completed a Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis, or HTMA, with us, this page brings together some of the background reading and practical information I recommend.
There is quite a lot to take in when you first receive an HTMA report. My advice is not to try to understand everything at once. Begin with the basics, read your report carefully, make your changes gradually, and return to these resources as questions arise.
New to Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis? Start here
Before working through the more specialised material below, I recommend reading my comprehensive guide to Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis.
In that article I explain what HTMA measures, what it cannot tell us, why I pay more attention to mineral patterns and relationships than isolated numbers, the problems of contamination and toxic elements, and why clinical history and retesting are so important.
HTMA is not a diagnostic test and should not be treated as one. I use it as another source of information that can be considered alongside symptoms, diet, lifestyle, health history and, where appropriate, conventional medical investigations.
Useful HTMA reading
I suggest beginning with these articles:
For people who want to go further into mineral physiology and the laboratory approach:
Your own HTMA report should remain the primary guide. The purpose of these articles is to help you understand the principles behind the recommendations rather than encourage you to construct your own supplement programme from isolated mineral readings.
Taking supplements when swallowing pills is difficult
Some people have difficulty swallowing tablets or capsules. This is especially common with children who have not yet learnt the knack, and with some older people.
Don't let this become a battle. There are several simple alternatives.
Use a thick smoothie
Place the tablet towards the back of the tongue and take a generous mouthful of a thick smoothie. The smoothie helps surround and lubricate the tablet and can make it much easier to swallow.
Can the tablet be divided?
Some tablets can be split into smaller pieces, making them considerably easier to swallow.
However, do not automatically crush, split or dissolve medicines. Some tablets and capsules are designed to release their contents slowly or protect their ingredients until they reach a particular part of the digestive tract. If you are dealing with a medicine rather than a nutritional supplement, check with your pharmacist first.
Can the tablet be dissolved or crushed?
Some nutritional tablets can be softened in a little warm water or crushed and mixed into a smoothie or food.
Again, check the product instructions first. Not every tablet is suitable for crushing or dissolving.
Can the capsule be opened?
Many ordinary nutritional capsules can be pulled apart and their contents mixed into a smoothie, yoghurt or other food.
Some ingredients taste remarkably unpleasant, so start with a small amount and experiment.
If you are uncertain whether a particular product can be opened, crushed or mixed with food, ask us before doing so.
Why are some nutritional supplements so bulky?
People sometimes ask why they have to take several tablets or capsules rather than one tiny pill.
The answer usually comes down to dose and formulation. Minerals, amino acids, herbs and food-derived ingredients can occupy a surprising amount of physical space when supplied in meaningful quantities. A useful dose simply may not fit into one small capsule.
This is why comparing nutritional products by the number of capsules alone can be misleading. Look at what is actually in the product and how much is being supplied.
Questions about labels, manufacture dates and expiry dates
Imported products do not always use the same labelling conventions as products manufactured in New Zealand. Some may show a manufacture date, while others display a best-before or expiry date.
Shelf life depends upon the formulation, packaging and storage conditions. Heat, moisture and prolonged exposure to light can all affect stability.
For that reason, I recommend storing nutritional products according to the manufacturer's instructions, generally in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, and observing any expiry or best-before date supplied by the manufacturer.
If a product's seal appears damaged, its contents look unusual, or you have any concern about its smell, appearance or quality, contact us before using it. Don't simply assume that an unusual product is safe because natural ingredients can sometimes have a strong smell.
A few related practical articles
Depending upon the recommendations in your HTMA report, these may also be useful:
Don't assume that everything discussed in these articles applies to you simply because you have had an HTMA. Your own history, results and recommendations take precedence.
Take your time
One of the biggest mistakes people make with nutritional programmes is trying to change everything overnight.
I prefer people to be the tortoise rather than the hare.
Read your report. Understand the main priorities. Introduce changes progressively and pay attention to how you respond. Mineral balance and nutritional rehabilitation are generally long-term projects rather than quick fixes.
This is also why I recommend repeating HTMA rather than continuing indefinitely on recommendations based upon an old result. We want to see how the pattern changes and adjust accordingly.
Medical disclaimer
The information on this page is for general health education and nutritional support. Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis is not a diagnostic test and does not replace appropriate medical assessment, diagnosis or treatment.
Do not stop or alter prescribed medication on the basis of an HTMA result or information on this website. If you have a medical condition, take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have significant or worsening symptoms, seek advice from an appropriately qualified healthcare professional before making substantial dietary, supplement or lifestyle changes.
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