Good health depends on the availability of sufficient amounts of essential nutrients and at the same time, the absence or at least very low levels of toxic elements. The Heavy Metals Extended Profile, Nail reveals the state of the body regarding nutrients (Micronutrients and Trace Elements) and at the same time its exposure to toxic Heavy Metals.
Heavy Metals, Micronutrients, and Trace Elements in the Nails
Normally, nails can reflect the history of recent imbalances. Nails have been used as a diagnostic tool since ancient times. Nutrient deficiencies, drug reactions, or poisonings can be detected through nail analysis. Nail testing on metals reflects exposure to toxic heavy metals as they occur during their growth period.
Fingernails and toenails are made up of a hard protein called keratin. Along with hair and teeth, they are components of the skin. These tissues accumulate metals that circulate in the blood, and the way both hair and nails grow reflects the exposure that has occurred in the past.
The average nail growth rate is 2-3 mm per month and is about 1/3 of the hair growth rate. Complete replacement of fingernails can take from 3 to 6 months while toenails need from 12 to 18 months. The actual rate of nail growth depends on age, sex, season, level of exercise, diet, and hereditary factors. Pregnancy causes a change in the growth rate of nails and hair.
Analysis of Nails for Metals and Trace Elements is an excellent alternative to the Hair analysis for Metals and Trace Elements when for various reasons it is not possible to obtain hair.
The measurements are performed by the ICP-MS method (Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry), a method that enables the simultaneous detection of many metals. Its sensitivity and accuracy are significantly better compared to the conventional method of atomic absorption, having the ability to measure metals in concentrations up to 1 in 1015 (1 in 1 quadrillion, ppq)!
