[IMGA][/IMGA]HAIR ELEMENTS
LAB#: H060418-0241-1
PATIENT: Weihan Liu
SEX: Male
AGE: 1
CLIENT#: 29751
DOCTOR:
Elim Center Of Autism
Room 611, Wlb Bldg., 34 Renfrew Road
Kowloon Tong, HONG KONG
POTENTIALLY TOXIC ELEMENTS
TOXIC RESULT REFERENCE PERCENTILE
ELEMENTS µg/g RANGE 68th 95th
Aluminum 11 < 8.0
Antimony 0.093 < 0.066
Arsenic 0.39 < 0.080
Beryllium < 0.01 < 0.020
Bismuth 0.062 < 0.13
Cadmium 0.13 < 0.15
Lead 3.8 < 1.0
Mercury 0.41 < 0.40
Platinum < 0.003 < 0.005
Thallium < 0.001 < 0.010
Thorium < 0.001 < 0.005
Uranium 0.15 < 0.060
Nickel 0.17 < 0.40
Silver 0.08 < 0.20
Tin 0.22 < 0.30
Titanium 0.66 < 1.0
Total Toxic Representation
ESSENTIAL AND OTHER ELEMENTS
RESULT REFERENCE PERCENTILE
ELEMENTS µg/g RANGE 2.5th 16th 50th 84th 97.5th
Calcium 338 125- 370
Magnesium 24 12- 30
Sodium 33 12- 90
Potassium 76 12- 40
Copper 9.2 8.0- 16
Zinc 110 100- 190
Manganese 0.48 0.20- 0.55
Chromium 0.52 0.26- 0.50
Vanadium 0.068 0.030- 0.10
Molybdenum 0.095 0.050- 0.13
Boron 2.0 0.60- 4.0
Iodine 0.31 0.25- 1.3
Lithium 0.005 0.007- 0.023
Phosphorus 203 160- 250
Selenium 0.76 0.95- 1.7
Strontium 1.0 0.16- 1.0
Sulfur 44900 45500- 53000
Barium 1.5 0.16- 0.80
Cobalt 0.010 0.013- 0.035
Iron 18 8.0- 19
Germanium 0.033 0.045- 0.065
Rubidium 0.14 0.016- 0.18
Zirconium 0.044 0.040- 1.0
SPECIMEN DATA RATIOS
COMMENTS: EXPECTED
Date Collected: Sample Size: 0.201 g ELEMENTS RATIOS RANGE
Date Received: 4/18/2006 Sample Type: Head Ca/Mg 14.1 4- 30
Date Completed: 4/21/2006 Hair Color: Ca/P 1.67 0.8- 8
Treatment: Na/K 0.434 0.5- 10
Methodology: ICP-MS Shampoo: Zn/Cu 12 4- 20
V06.99 Zn/Cd 846 > 800
©DOCTOR’S DATA, INC. 􀁹 ADDRESS: 3755 Illinois Avenue, St. Charles, IL 60174-2420 􀁹 CLIA ID NO: 14D0646470 􀁹 MEDICARE PROVIDER NO: 148453
Lab number: H060418-0241-1 Hair Page: 1
Patient: Weihan Liu Client: 29751
HAIR ELEMENTS REPORT
INTRODUCTION
Hair is an excretory tissue for essential, nonessential and potentially toxic elements. In general,
the amount of an element that is irreversibly incorporated into growing hair is proportional to the
level of the element in other body tissues. Therefore, hair elements analysis provides an indirect
screening test for physiological excess, deficiency or maldistribution of elements in the body.
Clinical research indicates that hair levels of specific elements, particularly potentially toxic
elements such as cadmium, mercury, lead and arsenic, are highly correlated with pathological
disorders. For such elements, levels in hair may be more indicative of body stores than the levels
in blood and urine.
All screening tests have limitations that must be taken into consideration. The correlation
between hair element levels and physiological disorders is determined by numerous factors.
Individual variability and compensatory mechanisms are major factors that affect the relationship
between the distribution of elements in hair and symptoms and pathological conditions. It is also
very important to keep in mind that scalp hair is vulnerable to external contamination of elements
by exposure to hair treatments and products. Likewise, some hair treatments (e.g. permanent
solutions, dyes, and bleach) can strip hair of endogenously acquired elements and result in false
low values. Careful consideration of the limitations must be made in the interpretation of results of
hair analysis. The data provided should be considered in conjunction with symptomology, diet
analysis, occupation and lifestyle, physical examination and the results of other analytical
laboratory tests.
Caution: The contents of this report are not intended to be diagnostic and the physician
using this information is cautioned against treatment based solely on the results of this screening
test. For example, copper supplementation based upon a result of low hair copper is
contraindicated in patients afflicted with Wilson’s Disease.
Aluminum High
The Aluminum (Al) level in hair is a reliable indicator of assimilation of this element, provided that
hair preparations have not added exogenous Al. Al is a nonessential element that can be toxic if
excessively assimilated into cells.
Excess Al can inhibit the formation of alpha-keto glutarate and result in toxic levels of ammonia in
tissues. Al can bond to phosphorylated bases on DNA and disrupt protein synthesis and
catabolism. Al excess should be considered when symptoms of presenile dementia or
Alzheimer’s disease are observed. Hair Al is commonly elevated in children and adults with low
zinc and behavioral/learning disorders such as ADD, ADHD and autism. Individuals with renal
problems or on renal dialysis may have elevated Al.
Possible sources of Al include some antacid medications, Al cookware, baking powder, processed
cheese, drinking water, and antiperspirant components that may be absorbed. Analyses
performed at DDI indicate extremely high levels of Al are in many colloidal mineral products.
Al has neurotoxic effects at high levels, but low levels of accumulation may not elicit immediate
symptoms. Early symptoms of Al burden may include: fatigue, headache, and symptoms of
phosphate depletion.
1999-2006 Doctor’s Data, Inc.
Lab number: H060418-0241-1 Hair Page: 2
Patient: Weihan Liu Client: 29751
A urine elements test can be used to corroborate Al exposure. Al can be effectively complexed
and excreted with silicon (J. Environ. Pathol. Toxicol. Oncol., 13(3): 205-7, 1994). A complex of
malic acid and Mg has been reported to be quite effective in lowering Al levels (DDI clients).
Antimony High
Hair is a preferred tissue for analysis of Antimony (Sb) exposure and body burden. Elevated hair
Sb levels have been noted as long as a year after exposure.
Sb is a nonessential element that is chemically similar to but less toxic than arsenic. Food and
smoking are the usual sources of Sb. Thus cigarette smoke can externally contaminate hair, as
well as contribute to uptake via inhalation. Gunpowder (ammunition) often contains Sb. Firearm
enthusiasts often have elevated levels of Sb in hair. Other possible sources are textile industry,
metal alloys, and some antihelminthic and antiprotozoic drugs. Sb is also used in the
manufacture of paints, glass, ceramics, solder, batteries, bearing metals and semiconductors.
Like arsenic, Sb has a high affinity for sulfhydryl groups on many enzymes. Sb is conjugated with
glutathione and excreted in urine and feces. Therefore, excessive exposure to Sb has the
potential to deplete intracellular glutathione pools.
Early signs of Sb excess include: fatigue, muscle weakness, myopathy, nausea, low back pain,
headache, and metallic taste. Later symptoms include hemolytic anemia, myoglobinuria,
hematuria and renal failure. Transdermal absorption can lead to ”antimony spots” which resemble
chicken pox. Respiratory tissue irritation may result from inhalation of Sb particles or dust.
A confirmatory test for recent or current exposure is the measurement of Sb in the urine.
Arsenic High
In general, hair provides a rough estimate of exposure to Arsenic (As) absorbed from
food and water. However, hair can be contaminated externally with As from air, water, dust,
shampoos and soap. Inorganic As, and some organic As compounds, can cause toxicity. Some
research suggests that As may be essential at extremely low levels but its function is not
understood. Inorganic As accumulates in hair, nails, skin, thyroid gland, bone and the
gastrointestinal tract. Organic As is rapidly excreted in the urine.
As can cause malaise, muscle weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, dermatitis, and skin cancer.
Long-term exposure may affect the peripheral nervous, cardiovascular and hematopoietic
systems. As is a major biological antagonist to selenium.
Common sources of As are insecticides (calcium and lead arsenate), well water, smog,
shellfish (arsenobetaine), and industrial exposure, particularly in the manufacture of electronic
components (gallium arsenide).
As burden can be confirmed by urine elements analysis. Comparison of urine As levels
pre and post provocation (DMPS, DMSA, D-penicillamine) permit differentiation between recent
uptake and body stores.
1999-2006 Doctor’s Data, Inc.
Lab number: H060418-0241-1 Hair Page: 3
Patient: Weihan Liu Client: 29751
Lead High
This individual’s hair Lead (Pb) level is considered to be moderately elevated but below the levels
consistent with Pb poisoning. Generally, hair is an excellent indicator of the body burden of Pb.
However, elevated levels of Pb in head hair can be an artifact of hair darkening agents, or dyes,
e.g. lead acetate. Although these agents can cause exogenous contamination, some transdermal
absorption can contribute to body burden. Hair levels of iron, boron, calcium, and zinc are often
concomitantly elevated with Pb burden.
Pb has neurotoxic and nephrotoxic effects in humans as well as interfering with heme
biosynthesis. Pb may also affect the body’s ability to utilize the essential elements calcium,
magnesium, and zinc. At moderate levels of body burden, Pb may have adverse effects on
memory, cognitive function, nerve conduction, and metabolism of vitamin D. Children with hair Pb
levels greater than 1 µg/g have been reported to have a higher incidence of hyperactivity than
those with less than 1 µg/g. Children with hair Pb levels above 3 µg/g have been reported to have
more learning problems than those with less than 3 µg/g. Detoxification therapy by means of
chelation results in transient increases in hair lead. Eventually, the hair Pb level will normalize
after detoxification is complete.
Symptoms associated with excess Pb are somewhat nonspecific, but include: anemia,
headaches, fatigue, weight loss, cognitive dysfunction and decreased coordination.
Sources of exposure to Pb include: welding, old leaded paint (chips/dust), drinking water, some
fertilizers, industrial pollution, lead-glazed pottery, and newsprint.
Confirmatory tests for Pb excess are: urine elements analysis following provocation with
intravenous EDTA , DMPS, or oral DMSA. Whole blood analysis for Pb only reflects recent or
ongoing exposures and may not correlate with total body burden. Increased blood or urine
protoporphyrins is a finding consistent with Pb excess, but may occur with other toxic elements as
well.
Mercury High
Mercury (Hg) is toxic to humans and animals. The accumulation of Hg in the body is generally
reflected by the hair Hg levels, but hair Hg levels can be artifactually high in association with the
use of certain hair dyes. Individuals vary greatly in sensitivity and tolerance to Hg burden.
At hair levels below 3 µg/g, Hg can suppress biological selenium function and may cause or
contribute to immune dysregulation in sensitive individuals. Hallmark symptoms of excess Hg
include: loss of appetite, decreased senses of touch, hearing, and vision, fatigue, depression,
emotional instability, peripheral numbness and tremors, poor memory and cognitive dysfunction,
and neuromuscular disorders. Hair Hg has been reported to correlate with acute myocardial
infarction and on average each 1 µg/g of hair Hg was found to correlate with a 9% increase in AMI
risk (Circulation 1995; 91:645-655).
Sources of Hg include dental amalgams, contaminated seafood, water supplies, some
hemorrhoidal preparations, skin lightening agents, instruments (thermometers, electrodes,
batteries), and combustion of fossil fuels, some fertilizers, and the paper/pulp and gold industries.
After dental amalgams are installed or removed a transient (several months) increase in hair Hg is
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