Many of the children we see in clinic show signs of nutritional deficiencies, and their hair tissue mineral results often show some level of toxic metals. Why might this be the case? Every child is different, and understanding the factors involved is a helpful first step for any parent.
1. Many Foods Are Nutritionally Depleted
Agriculture and farming have changed a lot over the years. The focus is often on greater yields per acre of land, better pest resistance, pesticide use and longer shelf life. This means nutrition can take a back seat.
We are also finding that food is depleted because more crops are grown on the same soil, and unfortunately the trace minerals are not being replaced. Instead, the land is fertilised to stimulate plant growth to meet our growing food supply needs. At the same time, nutritionists are seeing more and more children with allergies and sensitivities to everyday foods such as gluten and dairy.
2. Many Children Are Low in Key Nutrients and Energy
With a less nutritious food supply, pollution and the stress of modern living, many parents are low in key nutrients. It is common for mothers to be low in nutrients such as zinc, selenium, vitamins A and D, and omega-3 fatty acids, and to have reduced digestive enzyme function. A mother’s nutrient stores are shared with her baby across the placenta during pregnancy, so low levels may leave children more predisposed to health issues.
When the body is low in essential minerals, it may also absorb more toxic metals from the air, food and water, and some of this exposure can be passed on to children. These include toxic metals such as lead, cadmium, mercury and aluminium, as well as excess copper. They can take the place of the minerals that are in short supply.
In clinic, a Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) can measure the levels of minerals and toxic metals in the hair of both mother and child. When we see a pattern in the mother, we often see a similar one in her child.
Common Nutritional Deficiencies in Children
Our food is lower in much-needed nutrients, children and adults are eating more processed foods, and deficiencies and toxicities can be passed down from one generation to the next. Nutrients play a big role in supporting the brain and nervous system, which in turn affect behaviour and mood.
What We Often See in Children’s HTMA Results
Magnesium is one of the minerals we most often see low in children. Magnesium helps support a calm nervous system. Many children in clinic show sodium to magnesium ratios that are either too high or too low. These ratios may reflect how their adrenals are responding to stress, and these patterns can show up alongside irritability, trouble concentrating and difficulty calming down.
Copper and zinc balance is another pattern we often look at when children have behavioural concerns. Excess, unbound copper may be overstimulating to the brain and nervous system, and has been associated with anxiousness, mood swings and angry outbursts. In clinic, there are several areas we focus on to support copper balance: adrenal health, liver health, zinc status, gut function, and vitamin A and vitamin C levels.
If your child’s behaviour, mood or learning is a concern, please also speak with your GP or paediatrician. There are many possible reasons, and nutritional support works best alongside their care.
Toxic Metal Exposure
It is very hard to avoid all toxin exposure these days. Industry and manufacturing release metals into our air, food and water. Toxic metals may contribute to a range of symptoms, and they can be hard for the body to clear, even when detox pathways are working well. The good news is that small, practical changes at home can help reduce your family’s exposure.
Heavy Metals We See in Children’s HTMA Results
- Mercury: found in some fish and shellfish (especially tuna, shark and other large fish), as well as in some water, air pollution and fabric softener.
- Lead: found in batteries, cigarette smoke, some cosmetics, some eating utensils and toothpastes, and some water supplies.
- Aluminium: a common element found in some personal care products and cookware. In high amounts, it may affect the nervous system.
HTMA is a non-invasive test that uses a small hair sample to measure the levels of minerals and toxic metals stored in the hair. This can show patterns of mineral deficiency, imbalance and exposure over time.
From your child’s results, I can see which minerals may need support and put together a gentle plan to support their nutrition and their body’s natural detoxification. Find out more about my HTMA testing service.
Is It Time to Get Some Answers to Your Child’s Health Puzzle?
Optimal health is about supporting all the pieces of the puzzle. We are essentially one big puzzle, which includes the adrenals, gut, minerals, liver, blood sugar, mindset and more. If one piece of the puzzle goes missing, it can create a domino effect that may affect other areas of the body.
If you’d like to understand what may be affecting your child’s health, book a free 30-minute phone call with Rachel.