WHAT CAN I TEST FOR?

Iron is important for energy production, DNA synthesis and repair, oxygen transport in blood and muscles, mitochondrial function, fatty acid metabolism, healthy thyroid function and the maintenance of a healthy immune system. Vitamin C greatly improves its absorption in the body.

Manganese is involved in energy production, protein metabolism, bone development, nerve formation and muscle and joint health. It is also involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, amino acids, cholesterol and glucose and the production of superoxide dismutase, an antioxidant enzyme. It promotes wound healing, and is needed for the formation of cartilage and collagen.

Chromium is a component of Glucose Tolerance Factor and is involved in glucose metabolism, cholesterol metabolism, and insulin sensitisation. High levels in hair tissue often indicate a requirement for chromium as high levels in the hair can indicate an inability to properly metabolise it.

Selenium is a potent antioxidant. As selenoproteins, it is required for a number of enzymes. These are involved in glutathione peroxidase, thyroid health, liver health and male fertility.

Cobalt is involved in forming amino acids and proteins in nerve cells and neurotransmitter synthesis. It is involved in the synthesis of DNA, the production of red blood cells and nerve function. Cobalt is a component of cyanocobalamin (B12).

Molybdenum is involved in sulphur amino acid metabolism (in particular sulphites), uric acid production and the metabolism of drugs and toxins. It is involved in tooth enamel production and immune system maintenance (particularly allergies). It assists zinc in the detoxification of copper.

Sulphur is a constituent of collagen, bones and teeth. Sulphur is involved in bile acid production, digestion and absorption. Sulphur-bearing amino acids are important in liver detoxification and insulin sensitisation.

What it is?
Cadmium is a silver-white metal that is found in the earth’s crust. It is a by-product of mining and processing minerals such as copper, lead and zinc. It has a biological half-life of 10-30 years.

Where is it found?
Cadmium is found in some foods and is emitted by using fossil fuels such as coal and oil, smoking cigarettes, and burning waste. It is used in batteries, plastics, craft glazes, jewellery and metal coatings. It is found in some potatoes, mushrooms, shellfish, kidney meats, grain cereals and vegetables.

Symptoms of Cadmium exposure
Cadmium can cause gastric inflammation, skin damage, loss of smell, memory and attention deficits; and neurogenitive disorders. Breathing high levels of Cadmium can cause coughing, chest pain, throat and nose irritation and may lead to pulmonary fibrosis and renal problems. Eating foods or drinking water with very high cadmium levels may irritate the stomach and cause vomiting and diarrhea. Long-term low exposure can cause fragile bones that break easily, and negatively affect growth. Exposure can cause oxidative stress, alterations in DNA methylation, cell proliferation and differentiation and may lead to cancer. Cadmium antagonises zinc.

What it is? Lead is a naturally occurring metal found in the earth’s crust. It is used in industry and in the past was added to petrol and household paints.

Where is it found? Lead can be found in many places due to human activity through burning fossil fuels, mining and manufacturing. It can still be found in lead-based paint used in older homes, contaminated soil, household dust, drinking water pumped through leaded pipes, lead crystal, lead-glazed pottery, airplane fuel, some old toys, old coins, medals and some inexpensive jewellery.

Symptoms of Lead exposure high blood pressure, joint and muscle pain, difficulties with memory or concentration, headache, abdominal pain, mood disorders, reduced sperm count and abnormal sperm, miscarriage, stillbirth or premature birth in pregnant women.

What it is? Although aluminium is the most abundant metal in the earth’s crust, it is never found free in nature. All of the earth’s aluminium has combined with other elements to form compounds. It is bound up as aluminium silicate in clay, minerals, rocks, and gemstones.

Where is it found? Household applications are common in cookware, deodorants (as aluminium salts), medicines such as buffered aspirin, and antacids. Aerospace, aviation, automobiles, construction and the food and beverage industries all make use of aluminium.

Symptoms of Aluminium exposure confusion, muscle weakness, bone pain, deformities and fractures; seizures, speech problems, slow growth in children.

What it is? Antimony is sometimes found in pure form but most antimony occurs inthe form of more than 100 different minerals. The most important of these is stibnite.

Where is it found? Antimony is mainly used to form alloys which are used for castings, bearings, metal sheeting and piping, pewter, solder and lead storage batteries. Antimony oxide is added to plastics and textiles to reduce flammability. It is also used as an enamel for plastics, metals and glass and is added to paints and ceramics.

Symptoms of Antimony exposure can cause abdominal pain, diarrhoea, vomiting and ulcers.

Vanadium is naturally found as component of crude oil, coal, shale and tar. It is used in ceramics, electronics, textile dyes, fertilisers, synthetic rubber and welding alloys. It may have insulin and immune enhancing effects. Excess may cause mitrochondrial dysfunction and cellular toxicity. It is antagonistic to chromium, vitamin C, haemoglobin synthesis and sulphur-bearing amino acids.

Major sources of Tin are found in canned foods, environmental pollution, bronze, solders, cosmetics and toothpaste. Tin is used for heavy machinery, musical instruments, pottery glaze, plate glass and dye making; perfume and soap making, plastics (as a stabiliser), pewter and dental fillings. It is antagonistic to iron, calcium, copper, zinc and vitamin E.

Strontium’s physical and chemical properties are similar to calcium and approximately 99% of strontium in the body is found in the bones. It can replace calcium in many processes. Strontium compounds are used in the production of ceramics, pyrotechnics, paint pigments, fluorescent lights and some medicines. Excess in children can interfere with bone growth, particularly if the diet is low in calcium and protein. Strontium exposure can be via air, food, water, soil or dust; and acute, high dose exposure to strontium adversely affects the lungs. Strontium can also exist as radioactive isotopes and exposure to radioactive strontium may cause anaemia, abnormal bleeding and immune problems.

Titanium is usually used as a white pigment in paints, fabrics, inks, sunscreens, lipsticks and toothpastes. It is also used in mobile phones, artificial hips, knees and plates for bone setting; pacemakers and dental implants. Newest research suggests that Titanium oxide nanoparticles may injure the liver and cause gut inflammation. Excess exposure can cause chest tightness and pain, coughing and breathing problems.

Tungsten is used in industrial and medical devices. It is used for cutting and grinding tools, ceramic pigments, fire resistant coatings and fade resistant dyes, x-ray screens, filaments of old light bulbs, mobile phones, metal working, and in the mining and petroleum industries. Research suggests it may be associated with stroke prevalence in younger people and that it accumulates in the soft tissue and bone.

Thallium is a toxic metal that can have serious effects on the brain and nervous system. Thallium exposure can also have psychological effects. It can lead to behavioural changes, mood swings, and cognitive impairments.

Zirconium is present naturally in streambeds and ocean beaches but is not common in food or groundwater. It is found in paints, surgical implants, prosthetics, knives, scissors, golf irons, dental veneers, heat resistant lining for a furnace, cosmetics, antiperspirants, food packaging, costume jewellery and ceramics. Excess zirconium may be an eye, skin or respiratory irritant.