Hair Mineral Analysis and Behavior: An Analysis of 51 Studies

An attempt was made to compile and summarize all available studies on the relationship between hair mineral levels and various aspects of human behavior. The 51 studies located covered a wide range of behaviors: learning disabilities (10 studies); retardation (7); hyperactivity (5); criminality and delinquency (5); “behaviorally disturbed” (4); autism (4); schizophrenia (3); anorexia, hypoglycemia (2 each); fatigue, anxiety, allergy, senility, and phenylketonuria (1 each); giftedness and intelligence (4). High levels of certain minerals, especially lead and cadmium, and low levels of other minerals, especially potassium and sodium, tend to be associated with undesirable behavior. There is a need for vigorous attempts to eliminate sources of environmental exposure to heavy metals and for further study of the role of mineral excesses and deficiencies in human health and behavior.