Expert: Dr. Kristina Conner - 11/14/2007

Question
I heard there was a hair follicle test I could take to determine what nutrients I am lacking - do you know where I could find this.

Answer
Pete,
Thanks for your question.  Yes, there are hair analysis tests that look for amounts of toxic & nutritional minerals.  Usually it's just minerals though, not vitamins.  There is debate over whether these tests are accurate, and to interpret them correctly requires some experience with them.  I would suggest a visit with a naturopathic doctor (www.naturopathic.org), as we are trained to interpret & order these tests.  The companies I have used before are Doctor's Data & King James Lab; if you contact these companies, they might be able to provide a list of all practitioners in your area who use hair analysis, both NDs & MDs. You may be able to order the test yourself, but I'd suggest you consult with someone as well.  It's unfortunately not just as easy as finding you are low in one nutrient & then supplementing with that one--you need to find out why, and a good practitioner can help with that.  
Good luck in your search.  
Dr Conner